Nothing says the holidays quite like a fruit cider. Whether it be apple, pear, cranberry, lemon, lime or the endless combinations of delectable fruits or even roots, these ciders all have one thing in common making them versatile, timely and incredibly enjoyable... the right foundation. Let's talk about how to build the base of your cider.

The basis of every good cider are the items that are packed full of flavor and/or bring out/enhance the flavor.

Start with your best liquids such as the right juices.
[For the best results, juice your own fruits and use that juice to make your cider. If that option is not available to you then purchase a great organic and or flavor packed 100% natural juice [have your health food store juice some up fresh for you or get Odwalla, Naked, some other reputable brand or go for the Martinelli's - they're tasty]].

In a stock pot/crock pot/slow cooker, etc. you're going to coax out the essence of your ingredients. For a deeply satisfying beverage, that is rich in flavor, you want to take your time and not 'shock' your cider. You want the aromas to express from each ingredient and create a marriage of flavor and intensity. This will take time and delicate heat; anywhere from 30 - 45 minutes to 3 - 4 hours depending on your desired outcome and your process. For the purposes of this article, however, I'll save that detail for another time (i.e. the 3 - 4 hour process) and get right into the list of ingredients for your phenomenal 30 - 45 minute fruit cider.

This recipe is a knockout and for many reasons. It's tasty, it makes a great presentation and the most important of them all is it promotes health and healthy digestion.

Spiced Fruit Cider
2 quarts apple juice
2 ripe pears
2 Granny Smith apples
2 cardamoms
1/2 tsp mace
4 cloves
2 allspice
1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1 tbsp ginger - freshly grated
1 lemon's zest
1 orange's zest
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar [raw and unfiltered - Spectrum, Bragg's or another natural one]

Directions

Put all ingredients except for the freshly grated ginger, lemon and orange zest and apple cider vinegar in your stock/crock pot. Bring to a mild boil and immediately reduce to a medium-low simmer. Simmer for at least 30 minutes and add the rest of your ingredients, stir and turn off heat. Let sit for five minutes strain and serve warm with a cinnamon stick in each cup. Bottoms up!

It's the perfect end to an amazing Thanksgiving feast or the right conversational ice breaker for a well timed dessert.

For more information or to have one of your questions answered, drop me a line, stop by my forum, join my Vegetarian Resource Newsletter and definitely stay tuned in as I bring you more articles to help you effortlessly achieve your best, health, well being and wholeness throughout the life of your diet and your holiday season.

As always... It's been my heartfelt pleasure to share with you. Happy holidays and many returns.

Until next time...