Apple butter, applesauce, apple jam and now with homemade apple cider my foray into the world of home canning continues. Who knew making your very own apple cider could be so simple. My secret? The slow cooker of course. I’ve said it before and I won’t hesitate to say it again the crock pot is the best kitchen gadget ever invented. Point blank period. Get into my recipe for this easy and oh so delicious Slow Cooker Apple Cider. Be sure to check back tomorrow to find out what yummy treats I baked up using my cider.

Slow Cooker Apple Cider recipe heavily adapted from Baker Bettie’s Homemade Apple Cider recipe
9-10 large medium size gala apples, washed cored and quartered
2 tablespoon orange zest
juice from 2 whole oranges
2 tablespoons pure vanilla extract
3 cinnamon sticks
2 tablespoons whole cloves
1 tablespoon
1 tablespoon whole allspice
1/2 cup coconut palm sugar
pinch of ginger

1. Add apples to slow cooker and cover with just enough water to cover. Cover and cook on high for 4 hours.  Add sugar, vanilla, orange zest, orange juice, cinnamon sticks, ginger and cloves. Cook for another 4  hours on high heat. Then reduce heat to low and slow cook an additional 2 hours.
2. Carefully ladle the cider into a half gallon glass jar. Store for up to one week.

Photo credit: Women’s Health Magazine