Apple Cider

When the weather turns chilly, curl up in your favourite chair and keep yourself warm with this tasty apple cider.

8 cups cranberry juice cocktail (2 L)
3 cups frozen unsweetened red raspberries, thawed and slightly mashed (750 mL)
6 (3") sticks cinnamon
1½ tsp. whole cloves (7 mL)
1 vanilla bean, split
4 cups apple cider, at room temperature (1 L)

In a large saucepan, bring the cranberry juice, raspberries, cinnamon sticks, cloves and vanilla bean to a boil over high heat.

Lower the heat and simmer, uncovered, for 15 minutes.

Strain through a tea strainer or a sieve lined with 100% cotton cheesecloth into a large heatproof pitcher.

Carefully pour in cider. Stir gently.

Makes 2 servings.