{recipe} quick and easy hot apple cider

J and I are overwhelmed by the amazing comments, feedback and downright LOVE for our Charlie Brown Inspired Birthday! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

Since it's snowy outside and Christmas is fast approaching, I wanted to share a recipe from J's party that always warms me up and brings back special memories of Christmas!

{"Christmas Time Is Here" Apple Cider}

That's not its "official" name though...just what I renamed it to fit the party theme! It's "officially" and affectionately called...Tarolli-Driver Secret Recipe Cider.

The original recipe was handed down to my family by my Aunt Doris. My Aunt Doris was a member of the original foodies gang which included Julia Child and the Galloping Gourmet. She loved to read cookbooks and ordered special treats from gourmet catalogs.

As long as I can remember, Aunt Doris had limited mobility using a walker or a wheelchair to get around. Since she wasn't able to travel easily, she hosted a Christmas party for her family members each year at her home. She would order petit fours and Yule logs, amazing cheeses and gourmet crackers, smoked meats and delectable dips. I was a pretty picky eater as a kid but I looked forward to trying new things at Aunt Doris' Christmas party!

The one constant on her menu each year was her Hot Apple Cider. A delicious mix of apples and cinnamon...and the amazing thing about it...2 ingredients. Apple Juice and Red Hots.

Do I need to repeat the ingredient's list again? Apple Juice and Red Hots.

{Recipe}

Fill a crock pot with Apple Juice.

Add 1/2 bottle of Red Hots.

Heat and stir occasionally until Red Hots melt.

When the apple juice turns rosy and it's warm....fill up a mug and ENJOY!

Don't have a crock pot? You can heat it on the stove or make it one mug at a time in the microwave. Add 3-4 red hots to each single serving. The rosy color is important so make sure the red hots melt.

Aunt Doris' apple cider is a staple at all of our cold weather parties. One year I didn't make it for a party and there was a mutiny! We ended up giving it as Christmas gifts that year to make up for my mistake.

Why the name? Tarolli (pronounced ta-raleigh but usually people say trolley) was my Aunt Doris' last name and my maiden name. My married name is Driver. Get it? Tarolli-Driver...Trolley-Driver! {old joke!} Also, the recipe's not a secret. I tell everybody! It's so easy though...people forget how to make it.

Now...go heat up some apple juice and red hots, turn on the Christmas lights and enjoy a few moments during this amazing time of year! We'll be back tomorrow with some free printables for a great New Year's celebration.

Stay tuned to Oink! for more inspiration...