So, it was a gorgeous day today on my homestead. I spent the afternoon gathering up dead twigs and Sweetie Annie stalks that was killed by our first freeze last week. I burned them a little at a time in my fire pit.  All of the grass is dry and brown so I have to be extra cautious right now. No one wants to deal with a grass fire!

As the afternoon turned into dusk, I really craved some apple cider. I had none in my pantry. If you have followed my blog for any time  (I THANK YOU!)  you probably know it’s 22 miles one way into town. So a road trip was not going to happen.  Then I remembered I still had about two pounds of Gala apples from the boxes of culled produce I was gifted last week. 

Out came my trusty Jack Lalaine Power Juicer! That beast is  22 years old. I bought it back in that un-named Northeast state in 2005. It has served me well and has done yeoman’s work. I don’t juice regularly anymore because I have been doing keto/carnivore.  But this time of year is the exception. The weather is getting cooler. The trees have that Fall color. You just need apple cider when you sit around a fire.

Now I know not everyone is a fan of pumpkin spice. I understand. It has been way over done and over the top at some coffee shops that I will leave nameless.  Mostly, those phoof phoof drinks are all sugar.  Anyway I hope you enjoy this. It is so tasty when warmed.

Approximately 2 pounds tart Apples, don’t peel, just quarter.  Process them through your juicer. Put the apple juice in a small pot and  bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer. Add about one teaspoon of the pumpkin spice to the juice. Do a taste test to see if it suits your fancy. Add more accordingly. Simmer for about 10 minutes. You can strain the cider through a fine metal strainer if desired. Sometimes the cider may be a little gritty.   Enjoy!

Pumpkin Spice Mix (makes about 5 tablespoons)

• 3 Tbsp Ground Cinnamon (I like Ceylon Cinnamon)
• 2 Tsp Ground Ginger
• 2 Tsp Ground Nutmeg
• 1 ½ Tsp Ground Allspice
• 1 ½ Tsp Ground Cloves

Add all of the spices to a small jar.