Baltus Van Tassel’s merry-making involved a great deal of food and drink, as does any good party. Boasting the finest of fall’s harvest, skillfully prepared by experienced Dutch housewives, Van Tassel served up good cheer to his fortunate guests. Ichabod Crane, in particular, enjoyed the feast to the hilt, then danced the evening away with the coquettish Katrina Van Tassel.

Get your guests dancing with the spiked version of this fall favorite, or cozy up fireside with your family and drink it as-is.

Ingredients

1 gallon apple cider

2 oranges, sliced horizontally

6 cinnamon sticks

1 tablespoon whole cloves

2 cups brandy (optional)

Directions

Slice oranges horizontally, making each slice about a half inch wide. Poke holes into the rinds of each slice and stick whole cloves in them.

If you would like to use a slow cooker:

In a 6 quart slow cooker, combine the cider, oranges, and cinnamon sticks. Cook on low for 4 hours. Just before serving, add brandy.

If you are heating on the stove:

Combine cider, oranges, and cinnamon sticks. Cook on medium-low heat stirring occasionally. Just before serving, add brandy.