A Warming Drink for a Cool Autumn Evening

This period between the days that were loved and warmed by the sun and the days that are raw, swept by north winds, touched by the first frosts is, in my view, the hardest both psychologically and physically. The body reluctantly adapts to new conditions and, like a quarrelsome child, resists - sometimes responding with an unpleasant shiver, a cough, or a runny nose. The hours of natural light grow ever shorter. In the evenings there is a desire to light candles, stoke the stove or fireplace, curl up under a warm blanket and rely on movement as little as possible to preserve the body's warmth.

So on one such autumn evening, curled up on the sofa searching for warmth and inspiration, I found a recipe online for a drink to enjoy on a truly raw, damp day. They say you wouldn't drink mulled wine yet - that's more of a Christmas drink - but one wants something to warm the insides. Well then, let's try it!

You will need:
• 1.5 l apple cider;
• 1/3 cup brown sugar;
• 2 cinnamon sticks;
• 5 allspice berries;
• 1 peeled ginger root;
• 3 cloves;
• 8 orange slices.

Preparation:
Pour the cider into a small saucepan and add the spices (sugar, cinnamon, allspice, ginger, and cloves). Then heat the drink and simmer for about 20 minutes. Serve hot, adding orange wedges.

Recipe from http://www.countryliving.com/recipefinder/spiced-warm-cider-3456