DAY 352 OF 365: CHRISTMAS SHOPPING SURE FEELS LIKE A WORKOUT

I spent the majority of the day doing my Christmas shopping or as I like to call it, fighting off the swarms. Between the pushing and the shoving and the crowds and dismay, I am surprised that I made it home in one piece. By the time I made it home I was sore and exhausted; almost like how I feel after my workouts with JC. The only thing that was comforting was my nice cup of warm spiced apple cider. I thought that I would share the recipe. Give it a try and see what you think. I use all organic ingredients and I have to say that your house will smell festive when it is all done. If you are feeling a little adventurous, add a little bit of brandy to your mug and you are sure to have a nice sleep. Till tomorrow.

Warm spiced apple cider

• 6 cups apple cider (organic)
• 1/4 cup real maple syrup
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 6 whole cloves
• 6 whole allspice berries
• 1 orange peel, cut into strips
• 1 lemon peel, cut into strips

Directions

1. Pour the apple cider and maple syrup into a large stainless steel saucepan.
2. Place the cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice berries, orange peel and lemon peel in the center of a washed square of cheesecloth; fold up the sides of the cheesecloth to enclose the bundle, then tie it up with a length of kitchen string. Drop the spice bundle into the cider mixture.
3. Place the saucepan over moderate heat for 5 to 10 minutes, or until the cider is very hot but not boiling.
4. Remove the cider from the heat. Discard the spice bundle. Ladle the cider into big cups or mugs, adding a fresh cinnamon stick to each serving if desired.