Cider and Tea

I am fortunate because within a 20 minute drive from me there are at least two apple orchards that sell fresh cider.  Last night, I drove past one and got my first of what I hope is many 1/2 gallons this fall.  The weather is cool and rainy and the perfect time of year to curl up the a good book and a mug of warm cider.

Last year, in a fall issue of Martha Stewart Living, it was suggested to steep a bag of black tea in hot cider.  I tried it and it was fantastic.  The black tea lends an extra round of complexity to the tangy sweetness of the cider.  Plus I get just a tiny bump of caffeine.  Oh, and a little spoonful of this caramel sauce didn’t hurt.