Ingredients

• 6  whole  cloves, cracked
• 4  inches  stick cinnamon, broken
• 2  2x1-inch strips  lemon peel
• 2  cups  apple cider or juice
• 1  tablespoon  honey
•     Lemon slices, halved (optional)

Directions

1. Tie whole cloves, cinnamon stick, and lemon-peel strips in a 6-inch square of 100 percent cotton cheesecloth.

2. In a microwave-safe 4-cup measuring cup, combine apple cider or juice, honey, and the spice bag. Microcook, uncovered, on 100 percent power (high) for 6 to 9 minutes or until boiling, stirring once.

3. Microcook, uncovered, on 50 percent power (medium) for 10 minutes to blend flavors. Remove the spice bag.

4. Pour into 4 mugs. Float a lemon half-slice on top of each serving, if you like. Makes four 6-ounce servings.

Lemony Spiced Wine: Prepare Lemony Spiced Cider as directed above, except use only 1-1/2 cups of the apple cider. Add 1/2 cup rose wine after removing the spice bag. Microcook, uncovered, on 100 percent power (high) for 30 to 60 seconds or until heated through.