Normally, we don't drink juice of any kind, as the fructose in that highly concentrated form is almost as bad for you as the processed sugar in pop. We go with purified water, or raw milk, or honey-sweetened tea. At this season of the year, however, with scads of people coming in and out of the house, it is nice to have a little "something special" warming up your hands, your tastebuds, and making you feel good all over.

This recipe got particular rave reviews this past weekend. I would like to lay exclusive claim to the origin, but I am pretty sure I stole the idea from one of my aunties. Enjoy!

Mulled Cranberry Apple Cider

Serves lots!

In a large (LARGE!) saucepan or crockpot, mix the following ingredients:

3 L (or Qts.) unsweetened apple juice, not from concentrate (raw is best, if you can find/make it)
1 L (Qt.) unsweetened cranberry juice (if possible not from concentrate, but good luck finding that!)
1/2 bag fresh or frozen cranberries
1/2 small bag frozen mixed fieldberries
1 stick cinnamon, at least 2" long
4 whole cloves

Heat on a very low temperature until steaming. Do not let boil. Serve by ladling into mugs. Maintain heat over low temperature for duration of party. After several hours, if there is only a little bit left in the pot, it may need to be watered down some. (Those dregs can get pretty potent!)

Happy holidays, everyone!