Mix all ingredients but brandy and garnish in a large saucepan, bring to bare simmer, but do not boil. Simmer at least 30 minutes. Strain spices, if desired, and serve; the mixture may continue to concentrate in flavor if the spices are left in, so taste and decide. Brandy may be mixed in or simply passed on the side.

Warm Mulled Cider may be made in a crockpot, but for speed, you may wish to bring to a simmer on the stove and then transfer to the crockpot to keep the cider warm for guests.

Consider serving this cider with very little to no sugar in it, but passing little cubes of sugar for those who wish to adjust to taste.

• Note: dried orange slices work very well in this recipe, too, as well as fresh orange.

Nutrition: For an 8-ounce serving, minimum sugar, no alcohol: Calories 135; Total Fat 0 g 0 %; Saturated Fat 0 g 0 %; Monounsaturated Fat 0 g; Polyunsaturated Fat 0 g; Trans Fat 0 g; Cholesterol 0 mg 0 %; Sodium 35 mg 1 %; Potassium 172 mg 5 %; Total Carbohydrate 34 g 11 %; Dietary Fiber 1 g 4 %; Sugars 32 g; Protein 0 g 0 %; Vitamin A 0 %; Vitamin C 23 %; Calcium 3 %; Iron 5 %