It's Apple Season in New York

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The trees are full of delicious, ripe & ripening apple harvests... and that means pies, crumbles, crisps, crispy delicious apples for eating out-of-hand, and the best of all: cider.

Our favorite place to visit this time of year is the Clinton Cider Mill in Clinton, NY.

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It's an awesome place to visit--you can watch them pressing fresh cider, or just order and enjoy your favorite treats. Cider is available cold, frozen (like a slushie) or, my personal favorite, hot.

They also sell fresh cider donuts (plain and cinnamon-sugar) which are to. die. for.

Don't you just love apple season?

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I'll tell you why I prefer to drink my cider hot: it controls my portions. If you are diabetic or otherwise insulin-challenged, fruit juices will really mess with your blood sugar--so by getting a small cup of hot, you're more likely to sip it, rather than guzzle it down. Mmm...

So if you're in NY state, get you some apples and a jug of cider--it's time.

Hot Spiced Apple Cider

Here in Central New York, as the days grow shorter and the weather gets cold and rainy, it's the perfect time to enjoy a hot cup of apple cider.

I've discovered a quick and easy way to make it, too. Just pour the desired amount of cider in your cup, then into a saucepan. Add 1 spiced chai tea bag per serving and heat the cider to the barest bubble. Turn off heat and allow to steep for 5 minutes (I use a cover here to retain the heat). Remove and discard tea bag(s) and sweeten to taste with white or brown sugar. (I use brown sugar substitute.) Pour into mugs. (You may also pour it into mugs and let your guests sweeten their own.) Since you've already measured it out, so you won't have any waste.

If desired, add a slice of orange with a few cloves stuck into it for a garnish.