Spiced apple soul warmer

Ingredients

• 1½ litres apple juice (or 9-10 medium-sized apples, juiced)
• 200ml water
• 4 additional eating apples, sliced and cored
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1 small piece of ginger, peeled and sliced
• 1 tsp allspice
• ½ tsp nutmeg
• 4 star anise
• 50g raisins

Method

In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, bring the apple juice and water to a gentle simmer. Add the rest of the ingredients and heat through for another 10-15 mins.

Take off the heat and stand until cool. Strain the liquid, saving the apple pieces that will have infused with the spices.

To serve, warm through and serve in individual glasses, with a couple of apple slices, a star anise and a little cinnamon stick to garnish.

ALTERNATIVE: For adults who would like additional warmth, add a 25ml tot of dark rum to each glass and stir through.