Cardamom Pear Cider
Serves 8 // Ingredients
10 bosc pears1/2 cup honey, or sweetener of choice10 cardamom pods, crushed3 cinnamon sticks2 star anise2 inches fresh ginger root, sliced1 vanilla pod, sliced lengthwise1 teaspoon whole cloves1 teaspoon whole allspice berries
Method:
- Wash then cut pears in half, remove core and seeds. Stems and peel ok.
- In a large stock pot, combine all ingredients and fill with water until just covered.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 1 hour uncovered.
- The pears should be very soft and starting to turn to a pulp, but mash if needed. Continue simmering for 1 more hour.
- At this stage, the cider should be a lovely amber color with a sweet and spicy flavor. Add more sweetener to taste or more water if too concentrated.
- Strain cider through fine mesh sieve or cheese cloth. Repeat if desired. Some sediment adds body. Discard pulp and spices.
- Serve hot with cinnamon sticks and fresh pear slices.
Apple Cider
Serves 8 // Ingredients
10 apples, we used Pink Ladies2 whole oranges, sliced1/2 cup honey, or sweetener of choice3 cinnamon sticks2 star anise2 inches fresh ginger root, sliced1 vanilla pod, sliced lengthwise1 teaspoon whole cloves1 teaspoon whole allspice berries
Method:
- Wash and core the apples, then roughly chop.
- In a large stock pot, combine all ingredients and fill with water until just covered.
- Bring to a boil over medium high heat, then reduce to a gentle boil and cook for 1 hour uncovered.
- Apples are hardy, and take a while to break down. Cover with lid, and continue simmering for 2 more hours.
- At this stage, the cider should be turning a lovely amber color with a sweet and spicy flavor. Add more sweetener to taste or more water if too concentrated.
- Strain cider through fine mesh sieve or cheese cloth. Repeat if desired. Some sediment adds body. Discard fruit pulp and spices.
- Serve hot with cinnamon sticks and fresh apple or orange slices.













