How to Can Apple Cider

One of my children's favorite things about winter is snuggling on the couch sipping on a hot mug of apple cider.  Several years ago, I began preserving my own apple cider and we love having easy access to it all year long.  

Since it's such a family favorite, I thought I'd share step by step instructions so you too can enjoy a quick, easy and delicious treat with your family.

Below are 27 simple steps to growing your own apple trees, designing and building your very own apple press, and advice for choosing the best apples for your cider.

Excited?

Me too, cause I was just kidding - actually here's what I do.

Super Awesome Apple Cider

1. Go to the store.

2. Buy apple cider. The kind in a jug.

3. Stop at Arby's for jalapeño poppers (this is optional - unless you hate yourself).

4. Go home.

5. Pour apple cider into clean quart jars.

6. Put lids on the jars and place in a canner.

7. Pour cold water over jars until they just cover the top.

8. Bring to a boil and allow to boil for 10 minutes.

The end.

See!  It's simple!  The hardest thing is going to be eating all the poppers before the kids sniff them out.

Some of you probably already preserve lots of your own food, but for those of you who have never tried - this blog post is for you.  Canning your own food is really quite simple - and this is proof!  Very little prep and hard to mess it up.

When your ready to enjoy some hot apple cider, simply open a jar, pour into a crock pot (you can do this on stovetop too), toss in a stick of cinnamon and a little whole clove (or don't - that's optional too) and let it heat through.

Enjoy!