Wassail

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Step 2: Using a paring knife, cut out the core and stem of each apple, leaving about the bottom 1/2-inch of each apple intact.  Using a small spoon or grapefruit spoon, scoop out any remaining core and seeds to form a cavity in each apple.  In a small bowl, stir together the brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and allspice.  Divide the brown sugar mixture among each apple, firmly packing it as necessary.

Step 3: In the bottom of a pie plate or baking pan, pour 1 cup of the apple cider.  Place the prepared apples in the pan.  Bake until the apples are very tender and collapsing, 1 hour to 1 hour and 10 minutes.

Step 4: Meanwhile, cut the oranges in half crosswise and stick the whole cloves in the peel.  Cut one lemon in half and thinly slice the second lemon.

Step 5: In a large pot, add the prepared orange, cinnamon sticks, star anise pods, and the remaining apple cider.  Squeeze the halved lemon into the pot and add the sliced lemon.  Over medium-high heat, bring the mixture to a boil and reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until aromatic, 1 hour.

Step 6: Add the cranberry juice and the cooked apples with any of their juices to the pot and stir to combine.  Taste for sweetness and add more brown sugar if needed.  Serve hot or warm, with or without alcohol of choice, cranberries, and a cinnamon stick.

Enjoy this spiced cider from The Pioneer Woman!