Cider Beetles

1. 1

   Adult Portion:

2. 2

   Slices oranges in half and scoop out pulp without breaking the orange rind. Reserve pulp for another use or discard.

3. 3

   Place orange halves cut side up (like a bowl) on a wire rack on a baking sheet. Bake at 250F for 2 hours until dry and hard. Let Cool.

4. 4

   Kid Portion:

5. 5

   Pack brown sugar firmly into each orange half, mounding slightly.

6. 6

   Arrange spices in the brown sugar to resemble beetles: use a cinnamon stick as the body, a nutmeg as the head, 2 allspice for the eyes (on each side of the head), and 6-8 cloves for the legs/feet.

7. 7

   Cover tightly with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator (I keep mine sealed in plastic and in the cupboard).

8. 8

   Directions for use:

9. 9

   Unwrap the beetle and drop into 1 1/2 quarts apple juice or cider. Simmer 30 minutes. Strain whole spices and orange rind from cider to serve. May add 1/2 cup of Brandy, and heat well. Store leftover cider in the refrigerator.

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.