Caramel Apple Cider
When the weather cools down I’m constantly on the hunt for something warm to sip. However most drinks you can pick up through a drive through have the most insane amount of calories you’ll ever not want to know about. This season I’m all about making small swaps with large benefits. For instance making delicious warm drinks at home. Where I can control the ingredients and the sugar content! As I was checking the web to see what other recipes are out there I notice that a good handful of recipes seemed to think you need to add a ridiculous amount of refined sugar. Are you serious?! Aren’t apples ALREADY sweet?
Because everyone loves caramel apples I decided to give traditional apple cider a makeover. I used my 2-Ingredient Healthy Caramel recipe to add the perfect touch. I know what you’re thinking. Two ingredient? There’s no way! I’ve been using this caramel recipe for about a year now and love that because of it, I get to still enjoy sweet caramel treats without all of the yucky ingredients. You don’t want to miss my Gingerbread and Caramel Cream Cheese Cookie Cups (search the archives on Tried and Tasty for the recipe!).
I can almost bet that you’ve already got all the ingredients on hand to make this yummy mug of goodness. Ever tried making your own fresh apple juice? I did a few years ago with a steam juicer and I’ll tell you it was the best apple juice I’d ever had. Thanks to some generous friends who shared the abundance of their organic apple trees we were able to bottle at least a couple dozen quarts. If you happen to have a stash yourself, this would be the perfect recipe to make with some of it. It’s time to take out the apple slicer.
Just imagine for a moment if you will:
Being wrapped up in your favorite blanket.
The sound of the fireplace crackling.
Your favorite Christmas music playing in the background.
Familiar voices of children playing and adults reminiscing.
The smell of cinnamon from the Caramel Apple Cider simmering on the stovetop.
Sounds pretty magical doesn’t it? You can definitely make that happen this season. I know I will. Take some time to slow down and enjoy the moments. I promise you won’t regret it!
When she’s not at work or spending time with family or friends, chances are you’ll find Yvonne in the kitchen wearing an apron and a smile.
Caramel Apple Cider
Ingredients
- 4 cup apple juice
- 1/2 teaspoon cloves, ground
- 4 each cinnamon sticks
- 1/8 teaspoon allspice
- 1/8 teaspoon cardamom
- 10 medium dates, Medjool
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- Bring first five ingredients to a boil in a large pot.
- Reduce heat; cover and simmer on low-medium for 20 minutes.
- To make date caramel, blend 8 -10 pitted dates with 1/4 c. water in a high speed blender until smooth.
- Whisk in 1-2 tbsp. caramel to simmering cider.
- Serve.
Nutrition
www.superhealthykids.com
Natalie Monson
I'm a registered dietitian, mom of 4, avid lover of food and strong promoter of healthy habits. Here you will find lots of delicious recipes full of fruits and veggies, tips for getting your kids to eat better and become intuitive eaters and lots of resources for feeding your family.
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