Slow Cooker Witches' Brew Cider
A deep purple pot of apple and grape that bubbles away while the costumes go on. The kids get to drop in the "eyeballs" (grapes) and stir the cauldron, and there is enough for every little witch and wizard who comes through the door.
What you'll need
- 2 quarts apple cider (1.9 L)
- 4 cups 100% Concord grape juice (950 ml)
- 1 orange, sliced into rounds
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 6 whole cloves
- 2 star anise (optional)
- 1 cup green or red grapes, frozen (150 g), for "eyeballs"
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (15 ml)
How to make it
Pour the cider and grape juice into a 6-quart slow cooker. Push the cloves into two orange slices and add them with the rest of the orange, cinnamon and star anise.
Cover and cook on low for 2 hours, or on high for 1 hour, until steaming.
Stir in the lemon juice and fish out the clove-studded slices. Turn to warm.
Drop a few frozen grapes into each mug just before serving; they cool little ones' cups a bit too.
Bring everything except the grapes to a bare simmer in a large pot, then hold on the lowest heat for 20 minutes.
Glass: Mugs or heatproof clear cups. Garnish: Frozen grape "eyeballs" and a cinnamon stick.
Chef's secrets
Concord grape juice gives the deepest purple; white grape makes a pale "ghost" version.
A gummy worm hung over the rim is the kids' favorite garnish.
Grown-ups can add 1 oz (30 ml) spiced rum to their own mug.
Good to know
Keeps in the fridge for 4 days. Good cold over ice, too.
Holds on warm for up to 4 hours; stir now and then. Pantry check: cider, juice, cinnamon and cloves are all shelf staples.
