Saturday, November 14, 2009

Hot Mulled Cranberry and Apple Cider - Pink Saturday


From the kitchen of One Perfect Bite...It's been a very good week and, if you'll forgive the pun, "everything's coming up roses" for One Perfect Bite. Saveur has given us another nod and our recipe for Pumpkin Butter is featured on their site. I also have to thank the folks at FriendsEAT.com for listing One Perfect Bite as one of their choices for the top 25 foodie blogs. I'm thrilled to be included in the company of such fabulous food bloggers. Click here to view the 25 blogs they've featured on their site. You and I know I don't belong there, but let's keep that our little secret and hope they don't catch on. Now it's back to work. I wanted to make some special, yet simple, today and this recipe came to mind. It's a slightly different take on the mulled cider that's served so often at this time of year. As you can see, it's a thing of beauty and I'm happy to report it's also delicious. Cider is a relative of wine and it was common in England well before the birth of Christ. As a matter of fact, there was a time when English peasants, pagans of course, considered apple trees to be sacred and worshipped them. That might be explained by the fact that the cider they drank was allowed to ferment and had alcohol in it. Fast forward with me to America and the founding of the New England colonies. Apple cider was enormously popular here as well. It was a favorite drink of the pilgrims who would denounce hard spirits while they sipped their cider, which was allowed to ferment and, of course, had alcohol in it. Who knew? Today's recipe combines a sparkling apple cider, cranberry juice and a few mulling spices. It gets an assist from a small amount of brandy which takes it up a notch or two. There are no tricks or special tips to making a good mulled cider. The only caution is to never let it boil and to be sure to strain the finished cider through cheese cloth or a coffee filter. The cider can be kept in the refrigerator for up to a week. I always warm it before serving.Here's the recipe for an almost effortless holiday treat.

Hot Mulled Cranberry and Apple Cider
...from the kitchen of One Perfect Bite

Ingredients:
1 bottle (25.4-oz.) sparkling apple cider
1-1/2 cups cranberry juice
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons brandy
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 whole cloves
1 cinnamon stick
Grated zest of 1 lemon and 1 orange
Garnish: Apple slices and fresh cranberries

Directions:
1) Combine cider, cranberry juice, sugar, brandy, nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon stick, lemon zest and orange zest in a saucepan. Heat over medium heat, just to combine flavors; do not boil.
2) Strain and serve warm. Garnish with apple slices and cranberries if desired.
Yield: 6 servings.

You might also like these cider recipes:
Savory Sweet Life - Spiced Hot Apple Cider
Delish - Fireside Mulled Cider
The Way the Cookie Crumbles - Mulled Cider

This post is being linked to:
Pink Saturday, sponsored by Beverly at How Sweet the Sound

79 comments :

Unknown said...

Congrats!You deserve it
!This looks fantastic! It's starting to get really cold out so this is perfect and my house is a ice box so even better!

noble pig said...

I love the smell of mulled cider as it simmers away! So beautiful in color too.

CC said...

Ahhh, but Mary, you do deserve every accolade coming your way. Your blog is wonderful, the recipes are great and your pictures look so good, one almost bites the screen to get a bite. :). Though that's not me of course, just because my monitor has bite marks means nothing. :). I am so happy for you you are in the top 25.. Have a Happy Pink Saturday and a wonderful weekend.

Lyndas recipe box said...

This cider has a beautiful color, so it looks as delicious as I'm sure it tastes.
Congrats, Mary, that is quite a honor; yes, it is well deserved as you are certainly one of my favorite blogs!

Martha said...

Mary -- I can't think of any one who deserves it better than you -- your blog is terrific and an inspiration to me -- but then, you've always been an inspiration since the days of that old BC board!

I love mulled cider and think the cranberry is a great addition!

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

Hi Mary

Congratulations by all the well deserved honors! I love Saveur magazine and I'll make sure to look for your recipe! So exciting!

Your mulled cranberry and apple cider would so nice to serve at Thanksgiving or Christmas.

happy Pink Saturday!

Unknown said...

It looks great. Cheers!!!
Happy Pink Saturday!!

Jane said...

Congratulations! You always inspire me to cook...and to try something new. Now if only I could have someone come behind me to clean up afterwards...

This cider sounds wonderful! I can't wait until it cools down enough to really enjoy it.
Jane (artfully graced)

Michelle said...

Wonderful, fantastic honor, that you so deserve. Your blog is awesome, love photos, the conmentary and the recipes of course. This looks like a nice drink for sitting beside the fire with a good book....or the laptop, popping from one pink saturday post to another. Keep up the great work, it is such a blessing to us all. thank you.

Jessa said...

Thanks this is just perfect for our thanksgiving!!!

JJ said...

Congratulations on beig recognised for the foodie you are
JJ

Deb in Hawaii said...

Congrats on the recognition--it is well deserved. You know how I love my beverages--this looks delicious, I love the pretty color.

Sam Hoffer / My Carolina Kitchen said...

What a lovely cider Mary. Happy Pink Saturday.
Sam

SmilingSally said...

A BIG Congratulations, Mary! You certainly deserve the honors that are coming your way.

Tami @ Creative girl Vintage said...

I would love a cup of this right now! Thank you for sharing a delicious treat with us.
Happy Pinks...xo Tami

Cathy said...

Congratulations, Mary. I'm sure I can speak for all your devoted readers who very much think you deserve these recognitions.

Carol at Serendipity said...

Yes, you do belong there! Your recipes are wonderful as are your pictures.

Happy Pink Saturday!

Carol

suesueb said...

I think you belong there for so many reasons! You not only post fabulous recipes, you give so much history behind them. This looks like another winner!! Happy pink week!

Deb said...

Hi Mary
Thank you for stopping by today & Congratulations on being chosen as one of the top 25 foodie blogs!
Your hot mulled cranberry & apple cider recipe sounds delicious ~ I will copy it down and make it when we have our Christmas Open House ~ Have a wonderful weekend.

Light and Voices said...

My computer was down so it was very hard to leave comments. Fantastic photo of the Cranberry and Apple Cider. The recipe sounds delicious.
Joyce M

Coralie Cederna Johnson said...

Congratulations, Mary!!! I love your blog and can see why you would be selected to be spotlighted! You come up with the most interesting, appealing, and delicious recipes! The cider is perfect for Pink Saturday! Have a great day and a beautiful weekend! Enjoy! Coralie

Vintage To Chic said...

good morning, I think I will try the cider and it sent me on to the mile high apple pie which I will defiately try.
Have a wonderful week,
Judy

Linda said...

Congrats on the publication!
And I was excited because my letter to the editor was published in the recent Food Network magazine! LOL
I have started to post a series on using cranberries and this is a nice addition to my folder. It sounds wonderful and I would like to give yours a mention!

My Slice of Heaven said...

Mary, thank you for stopping by and being sweet with your comments. I'm just a foodie wannabe, you're the real deal. I love browsing through your blog and gathering great recipes. Congrats!

The Quintessential Magpie said...

This is just what I was thinking about... mulled cider... and I like the fact that you've added cranberries to this, Mary! It's perfect for the holidays ahead. Thanks so much for sharing. I was thinking I would have to call NC to find a friend who moved there to get their recipe, and happily yours appeared!

Happy Pink Saturday...

XO,

Sheila :-)

The Quintessential Magpie said...

P.S. Congrats on your honor! You truly deserve it! We're proud of you! :-)

Claudia said...

Hearty congrats on your recognition! And well-deserved. That is one lovely, autumn drink. Mmmm. Apple and cranberries go so well together.

Marie De Marco said...

congrats! now, i'm not betty crocker but, the past few years i must say i'm trying. your cider has inspired me i will give it a try and i will be back for more inpiration.
marie

Anonymous said...

Mary,
A pleasure to visit your blog. Happy PS :o) and thank you for your comments

Tara said...

It sounds divine on a cold winter's day. It's pretty to look at too! Happy Pink Saturday and congratulations on your blog mention, of COURSE you deserve to be there!

Cathy said...

Hi Mary,

Wow Hot Mulled Cider looks very good right now.

I am sitting here in New England and its cool and pouring rain outside. Winter is approaching quickly as the summer we never had went fast.

I hope you are having a wonderful Pink Saturday.

xo Cathy

Unknown said...

Happy Pink Saturday & congratulations, Mary! You most certainly deserve to be there!

Th mulled cider sounds so delicious! Love the color! I hope I get a chance to try it out!

I love your profile photo btw!

Have a lovely weekend!

Cheers!
Tina

{Bellamere Cottage} said...

Hi Mary...

Congrats on being in the top 25. How thrilling....and having your recipe posted too. Wonderful.

Now, this recipe looks just yummy...and it's sooo pretty too!

Warm blessings,
Spencer

Betty said...

I can almost smell that cider cooking. I'll have to try your recipe. We make hot apple cider every year for a Christmas boutique. I don't know why we don't make it more often.
Have a wonderful pink Saturday!

Unknown said...

The mulled cider looks and sounds delicious. Yes, of course you belong on that list. Simply take a bow and enjoy.

Thank you so much for the visit. Hope you have a terrific Pink Saturday.

Cheers! =D
~Kitty Kellie

meandering pearl said...

how interesting! it looks like such a delicious recipe!! have a lovely pink saturday, pinkest wishes

My name is Riet said...

When I saw it and read the words I could smell it in my mind. Great recipe. Happy pink Saturday and thank you for your visit

Cindy said...

I absolutely love the way you write and you totally deserve your honors! It's always a pleasure! Have a great week end and feel free to bask in the glow of your award. :D

xinex said...

This drink sounds so refreshing. Congrats on making it to the best food blog list, Mary. You certainly deserve it....Christine

Martha@A Sense of Humor is Essential said...

Yes, You So Deserve to Be on that list, Mary!! Congratulations!
This cider looks divine, I can practically smell it. Thank you.

Mollye said...

Hey Mary, Way to go girl on your being chosen for a favorite foodie blog. I could have told them that!!!!!!!!! Happy Pink Saturday, Warm Hugs, Mollye

Jacalyn @ rmebathproducts.com said...

Congrats! Awesome post!

Hugs,
Jacalyn

Vicki said...

Hello, Mary,
The cider looks so delicious! Nothing like warm cider on a cool autumn evening. Also, congratulations for having your recipe featured! Happy Pink Saturday to you and have a lovely weekend! Vicki

Judi said...

Oh my that does look delicious. Thank you for sharing the recipe, the delicous picture and the story. I so enjoy your site with your stories and explanations I do learn so much.
I enjoy cranberries very much too...brandy eh?..yum
have a lovely day..
Happy Pink Saturday
Judi

Ruth said...

Yummy! Happy PS!

LaVerne said...

OK, I'm printing this and I'll have the ingredients on hand for our first cool weather...I always serve some kind of punch at family gatherings and this one (minus the hooch) will be well received around Christmas...I'll just set the brandy alongside for the adults.
I thought of you the other day when I had my first bite of the best crab cake I've ever tasted. It was one perfect bite...and then another followed by another. Two perfect little crab cakes in the heart of Texas...who would have thunk it? Hope you have a lovely week...and congratulations on the well earned recognition.

Maia T said...

Congratulations for being in top 25, you really deserve it. This is a wonderful blog with free recipes and beautiful photos.
Thanks for sharing the cider recipe, it looks delicious.
Have a nice Pink Saturday!

Unknown said...

I am in charge of beverages for Thanksgiving. I think I'll try to make this! Thanks for the visit!

NKP said...

Congratulations!!
They love you!
Lovely mulled cider, the cranberry juice is a great addition.
I just put my cider in the slow cooker so I don't have to watch the pot.

Geli said...

I never had apple cider hot and spiced. I'm a big fan of the German mulled wine. But I must give your recipe here a try. Thank you for sharing!

LV said...

You definitely belong in the elite food group. I thing that is a very nice honor and well deserved. I could drink apple cider every day. As always, glad you found time to visit me today.

Bunny said...

Congratulations a well deserved accomplishment. I always enjoy checking out what you are cooking.
Your mulled apple cranberry cider looks yummy. Have a wonderful Ps

Jillian's Bella Rosa Antiques said...

LOL! I got a chuckle out of your history lesson on fermenting apple cider. Tee hee! I was also interested in going back and checking out the Pumpking BUtter! Have a great weekend.

Beverly said...

Oh yes, you do too belong there. I think you are fabulous!!!! And, all of those other blogs are in great company with you.

A cup of this cider would be good right about now.

Happy Pink Saturday, dear Mary.

Martha's Favorites said...

I just don't know how one woman can know so much about making things taste good. You are so blessed. Thanks for visiting me, I feel very humbled. Blessings, Martha

Nancy said...

Mary, congratulations, and I know you deserve it! Each time I visit you have the perfect recipe at the perfect time.

Happy Pink Saturday!

Be sure to stop by to enter my gift certificate giveaway! Leave a comment so I know you were there!

pam said...

We always make a mulled cider on the day we decorate the tree. This looks perfect!

Unknown said...

Congratulations on your honor!

The cider looks so good!

sherri@lavenderfields said...

THat cider recipe looks great! I love nothing more than a pot of it simmering on the stove at Christmas making my house smell so wonderful! I usually just find a mix, so this year I will give the real version a try! Thanks for sharing another wonderful recipe! Have a great PS and enjoy the rest of your weekend : ) Sherri

Marsha @ Tattered Chick said...

Ohhh, after a long day of shopping and driving, I could go for some hot mulled cranbbery and apple cider!

Thank you for stopping by today, Mary. It's always nice to see you!

Happy Pink Saturday!

Hugs,
Marsha

Char said...

Oh Mary, you went and did it again, just the perfect post. I love it and will give it a try, Happy Pink Saturday, Char

That shabby Pink Girl said...

I am so hungry now, everything looks so yummy, wish I was your next door neighbor :-) I love mulled cider. Beautiful Blog.
Have a great wkend
marian elizabeth

vickie said...

Happy Pink Saturday! What a beautiful picture. I can almost smell the cider! Congrats to you!

Anonymous said...

Wow congratulations on being in the top 25!!!! That calls for a celebration! Yes, thank you I will have a glass of the cider please!! I bet it is just over the top with the brandy in it!!
I watched Tortilla Soup last night and was so intrigued. It is about a Hispanic Family and the father is a wonderful chef- he prepares scrumptious meals for the family even after running his business all day. It was fun watching him take great delight in fixing the meals- another Food movie I enjoy is Bobette's Feast- have you seen that one? It's a foreign film and has subtitles- I bought it I liked it so much!

blessings
mary

Donna-FFW said...

This must have made your home smell so welcoming. Gorgeous color on the sipper.

Congrats to you, you deserve it and more. You are an inspiration to many.

Deborah said...

I think you do belong on that list. You always come up with something that makes me hungry or actually makes me want to go cook. Your apple cider looks delicious but it doesn't make me as hungry as some of your soup recipes.Yum Yum! Have a great Pink Saturday.

valerie said...

fantastic i love cider my fave tipple will being making this over the holidays thats for sure happy pink saturday:)

Allie said...

I have to respectfully disagree with you on this one - you totally deserve to be on their list; your recipes always approachable and without fail, the pictures make my mouth water (plus, they make me want to spend my days hanging out in your kitchen so I can eat bites of everything). Congratulations!

My Little Space said...

Congratulations Mary! You deserved it. hhm... I still have a few bottles of homemade cider in my fridge. This is such comforting drink.

Angie's Recipes said...

This looks amazingly good! I don't usually go for PINK...but this pink looks so tempting!

Hootin Anni said...

Delicious!!!!

And congrats...your blog and your work making is such a successful one shows!!!

The Cooking Photographer said...

Mary that is an awesome honor and well earned. Your blog is always interesting and I learn something every time I visit.

I am so happy for you!

Laura

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the cider recipes,Mary. I'm gonna try the Hot Mulled one from the Way the Cookie Crumbles blog that you listed.
Happy Pink Saturday~

Anonymous said...

Now I know what pretty hot drink I will be serving at my Tea Party/cookie exchange next month. Thank you. And you certainly do deserve to be in the top 25! Happy Pink Saturday.

pinkkandy said...

my husband loves apple cider...i love the smell.have a blessed week
KANDY

Katy ~ said...

Mary, I am positively THRILLED for you!! Your blog and your cooking are a testimony to your excellence.
What an honor (well deserved) to be recognized!

Yumm... this mulled cider looks so good! Love the color; it looks so festive.

Zurin said...

What a pretty drink! love the colour. :))

Stephanie ~ Angelic Accents said...

This looks delish for a cold blustry day!!

Big TX Hugs,
Stephanie
Angelic Accents

Susie Jefferson said...

Congratulations - this couldn't happen to a more deserving person!

Happy Pink Saturday - I'm sorry I'm so shamefully late, but trying to prepare for this show (middle of next week) has totally thrown me into panic mode, and I'm getting nowhere fast! Hence I haven't done my visiting (it didn't help I was teaching 2 classes Saturday, and 1 on Sunday).

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