Frosted Apple Cider

A favorite of the Southern Mountain Lodge

“After a long climb through the southern mountains, there is no finer reward than a platter of roasted sausage and seasoned bread, accompanied by a chilled mug of Frosted Apple Cider. Travelers have rested beside the lodge’s great stone fireplace for generations, sharing stories long after the sun has disappeared behind the peaks.”

—From the Journal of Nhiam

Serves 4

Ingredients

• 4 cups fresh apple cider
• 1 cup unsweetened apple juice
• 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Pinch of ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups crushed ice

For the Frosted Rim

• 2 tablespoons coarse sugar
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Optional Garnishes

• Thin apple slices
• Cinnamon sticks
• Fresh mint leaves

Directions

1. Combine the apple cider, apple juice, maple syrup, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and vanilla in a large pitcher. Stir until well blended.
2. Refrigerate for at least one hour, or until thoroughly chilled.
3. Mix the coarse sugar and cinnamon together on a small plate. Lightly moisten the rim of each mug with an apple slice, then dip the rim into the cinnamon sugar.
4. Fill each mug halfway with crushed ice.
5. Pour the chilled cider over the ice.
6. Garnish with an apple slice, a cinnamon stick, or a sprig of fresh mint.

Serve with roasted sausage, seasoned bread, good friends, and a story worth telling.

From the Kitchens of Akaria

Morning Lily’s Peach Tea

A favorite shared beside the Harp at Blackberry Falls

“Morning Lily says every delightful conversation begins with a warm cup of tea. Shura insists every good cup of tea deserves unhurried conversation. After spending an afternoon with both of them, I’ve learned it is unwise to disagree.”

—From the Journal of Nhiam

Serves 4

Ingredients

• 4 cups water
• 2 black tea bags
• 2 ripe peaches, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 small sprig of fresh mint for each cup
• Optional: a squeeze of fresh lemon juice

Directions

1. Bring the water to a gentle boil.
2. Steep the tea bags for four to five minutes, depending on your preferred strength.
3. Remove the tea bags and stir in the honey until dissolved.
4. Add the peach slices and vanilla. Allow the tea to rest for ten minutes so the peaches can share their sweetness.
5. Pour into teacups and garnish with fresh mint. Add a squeeze of lemon, if desired.

Serve warm or cold while listening to the Harp, birdsong, or good friends.

Around the Table

Shura: “Tea should never be hurried.”

Morning Lily: “Neither should friendship.”

Nhiam: “I suspect that’s why both improve with time.”