MULLED APPLE CIDER (for twelve)

16 cups fresh apple cider

four 2 inch cinnamon sticks

2 oranges, peels and juice, plus more for garnish

8 whole cloves

6 star anise

Applejack for spiking (optional)

1. Combine all the ingredients in a saucepan and simmer over low heat for 5 to 10 minutes. Pour into mugs and serve.

adapted from Ina Garten at the Food Network