HOT SPICED CIDER WITH CALVADOS

Enjoy this soothing cool-weather drink in front of a roaring fire along with a selection of butter cookies and a bowl of fresh oranges. For a festive touch, garnish each mug with a cinnamon stick and a few whole cloves.

6 cups apple cider or apple juice
3 cinnamon sticks
30 whole cloves
8 slices crystallized ginger, each about 1 inch in diameter
3/4 cup Calvados or other apple brandy

In a heavy saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the cider, cinnamon sticks, cloves and crystallized ginger. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover partially, and simmer gently for 30 minutes to blend the flavors.