Recently, I learned of the pleasures of a good hot apple cider, spiced and laced with dark rum. Being hot and consumed from a mug, it gives me some of the better pleasures of coffee, but without all the jittery, can't fall asleep parts. It goes well with dessert, a course I eat on a fairly regular basis. (tonight it was homemade pumpkin pie...could explain why my weight has somehow become a topic of discussion at WASP 101...sheesh).It's a good drink for the cheapskate in me, too. Living in New England, apple cider is cheap and plentiful this time of year. A half gallon of fresh, local cider can usually be had for less than $3.00. As for rum, I like Brugal. It's rich and fragrant, with a big creamy texture. For a better description than I'll ever give, see here. Note especially the part about the old Dominican saying: " Si tomas Brugal tu resuelve o peleas.--If you drink Brugal you either fight or have sex." Gotta love it. Besides, it can usually be had for less than $20 a fifth, in my case $17.99. Not bad for a good bottle of 80 proof brown spirits.
In a saucepan, boil cider with one cinnamon stick and a hefty sprinkle each of allspice, cloves and nutmeg. Pour a healthy whiff of rum in your favorite mug, fill to the top with hot cider, stir and enjoy with your favorite sugary, fattening treat....unless you're afraid what others might say about your girth.
Cheers and a yo-ho-ho!
