Chillin’ in the Northwoods

It’s that time of year again! As much as I hate to see summer end- (especially this year) … it’s hard not to love the chill in the air and the beautiful leaves! Today Craig & I took the boat & jet ski out. Been there, done that. I should have known that look in his eye when he looked at the dock- yes, first time for me for taking out the dock. Barefoot & skinny jeans – and yes the water was cold! At times our feet felt like blocks of ice! So, it’s kinda weird & scary writing the first post of my blog. I told my Son Tyler that I was worried about that first one – he responded with” it doesn’t really matter Ma, nobody’s gonna read it”. Well, with that said…. I’ll just do my thing. So, after some thought I decided to share with you a page (and a favorite fall recipe) from my very first scrapbooking idea/project. I had a handful of favorite pictures, recipes that I could never find when I needed them, beautiful scrapbooking products & fun fonts on my computer… put them all together and the result was a wipe-able fresh & fun page featuring my favorite pictures & recipes that I completely ADORE !!!! So much so, that I decided to do 10 more “books”. These were tried & true recipes from my Mom & Grandma along with ones I adopted. Knowing that my kids (my sisters, nephews & nieces) would want these same recipes I thought well, I’m already making one page what’s 10 more. These would be great for a shower gift when they all get married. This page features my Northwoods apple cider. The picture is from one of our BYOP parties (bring your own pumpkin).  After a hayride we had it served warm by the campfire. This recipe is so good, I make several gallons a year. I only use Indian Summer apple cider and it actually tastes better to me cold the next day.

Northwoods Apple Cider
4 cups water
1 cup brown sugar
4 teaspoons whole cloves
2 teaspoons all spice
½ teaspoon ground coriander
½ teaspoon nutmeg
4-6 cinnamon sticks
128 oz. apple cider
Combine everything but the apple cider in a 2 quart sauce pan.Heat to boiling, reduce heat. Simmer with cover about 20 minutes. Strain twice. Add to apple cider in large pot- heat through.