I doubt that it made the national news, but western Washingon had it's first snow of the season (actually, in a couple of years) yesterday.

So, to celebrate the event, I would like to present you all, my recipie for Hot Spiced Cider.

8 cups Apple Cider or Apple Juice
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1-6 inch cinnamon stick
1 tablespoon of whole allspice
1 tablespoon of whole cloves
8 thin orange wedges (optional)
1 6 inch by 6 inch piece of doublethick 100% cotton cheesecloth

Break up or grind the cinnamon stick and place it in the middle of the cheesecloth along with the allspice and cloves. Bring the corners together and tie with string. This will be your spicebag.

Combine cider (or juice) and the brown sugar in a saucepan. Place your spicebag into the saucepan and bring to boiling.

You may add additional cinnamon stcks to the individual glasses to taste.

Serves 6.

I am sure that my good man Mark has plenty more recipies for many tasty things as well. And here is to the hope that he will share some of them with us throughout the holiday season.

Cheers

PS - if you ask nice, I may share my recipie for real hot chocolate tomorrow so you can have it over the weekend.