Cider Makin

One of our read-alouds for my younger children this year is Farmer Boy.

Farmer Boy is one of my favorite books in the “Little House” series. I love hearing all the details of how Almanzo and his family live.

I don’t think you can really help yourself from enjoying the beauty of their lives put into words. I also don’t think you can help your stomach from growling as you hear all the wonderful foods that they make and share throughout the story.

We had two large baskets full of apples that were very ripe and ready to be used. After reading of Almanzo’s apple cider and popcorn, I knew exactly how we should use our apples.

We took the apples and cut off the bad and ran the rest through the juicer.

After filling a stock pot almost full, we simmered the juice with all sorts of wonderful spices.

Ginger

Allspice

Cloves

Cinnamon

Nutmeg

You can use any or all of these plus more if you like.

We chose our favorites and while the cider simmered, the spices infused the juice.

We also added about 1/2 cup sugar to the whole pot. I considered not using any… and I probably could have, but I wanted to make sure it was somewhat sweet.

Let this go for about an hour or two.

Strain and put into clean jars and new flats.

Process in a boiling hot water bath for 20 minutes and then remove and cool.