Photos from the Winter Open Studios & Mulled Cider Recipe

We really enjoyed doing a winter open studio for the first time last weekend.  Kindly hosted by jeweller Cheryl Bird in her wonderful workshop, we were really pleased with how it went in terms of visitor numbers, sales and the lovely festive atmosphere.  We hope to do it again next year.



We had lots of compliments about our mulled cider and spiced apple juice, so here is the recipe:

Mulled Cider / Spiced Apple Juice Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 litres good cider or apple juice
• 6 cloves
• 3 or 4 star anise
• ¼nutmeg, finely grated into the pan
• 1 cinnamon stick
•  vanilla essence to taste (half tsp)
• juice of 1 orange
• juice of 2 clementines
• 4 or 5 tablespoons of caster sugar, to taste

Method

1. Pour all of the cider into a large pan on a low heat and warm it through for a few minutes. Add all of the spices and fruit juices and turn the heat up. Once boiling, turn down to a simmer and leave to tick away for 5 to 8 minutes. As everything infuses you'll get the most delicious layers of flavour. Taste and add a few tablespoons of sugar to taste. You don't want it to be sweet;  you just want the sugar to join up all the different spices so you get a harmonious taste.
2. When you are happy with the flavours, ladle into glasses or mugs and serve while warm and delicious.

About 15 generous wine glasses per 2ltr bottle of cider or apple juice.