Happy Holiday Cider

Directions

1. 1
   Preheat oven to 350 degree F.
2. 2
   Insert about half the cloves into 2 baking apples.
3. 3
   Place the apples in a 2-quart square baking dish.
4. 4
   Add the water.
5. 5
   Bake apples, uncovered, for 15 minutes.
6. 6
   Add crab apples, if desired.
7. 7
   Bake an additional 25 to 30 minutes or until apples and crab apples are tender; cool slightly.
8. 8
   Halve or quarter baking apples.
9. 9
   Set aside.
10. 10
    Meanwhile, squeeze juice from oranges and lemons (you should have 1-1/3 cups orange juice and 3/4 cup lemon juice).
11. 11
    In a 4-quart Dutch oven combine orange and lemon juices, apple cider, sugar, cinnamon, remaining cloves, allspice, and nutmeg. Bring to boiling; reduce heat.
12. 12
    Simmer, uncovered, for 20 minutes.
13. 13
    Use a slotted spoon to remove whole cloves and stick cinnamon from cider mixture.
14. 14
    To serve, place apples in a large heat-proof punch bowl; carefully pour cider mixture into bowl.