Homemade Apple Cider

Directions

1. 1
   Wash apples well, core, and cut into quarters. (No peeling required.)
2. 2
   Add water to a large pot and start heating on the stove. Add apple pieces, cinnamon sticks, vanilla extract, orange peels, maple syrup, and the anise to the pot. Leave pot uncovered and bring the whole mixture to a boil. Allow mixture to boil on high for about 30 minutes. Turn the heat down to low and cover with a lid. Simmer for 2 hours.
3. 3
   After cider has been cooking for 2 hours, remove from heat and cool for a few minutes. Remove cinnamon sticks, orange peel, and star anise and discard.
4. 4
   Using a handheld blender, puree all of the apples into the cider. You don't want any apple chunks in there, so puree well until mixture is smooth and blended.
5. 5
   Pour into a glass and serve!