A Buttery Cocktail

Paula Dean's
Hot Buttered Spiced Cider

1/2 gallon apple cider
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, plus 1 strip zest
1/2 cup fresh orange juice, plus 1 strip zest
3 cinnamon sticks
4 whole cloves
1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened
Bourbon, rye or whiskey (optional)
Cinnamon candy sticks, for garnish (optional)

1. Combine the cider, citrus juices and zest, cinnamon sticks and cloves in a large pot. Simmer over medium heat about 20 minutes; do not boil.
2. Ladle the cider into mugs, leaving the zest and spices in the pot, and add about 1/2 teaspoon butter to each mug. Spike the adults drinks with a shot of bourbon and garnish with cinnamon candy sticks if desired.

This recipe is on page 149 of the November issue of The Food Network magazine. I couldn't believe it when I saw that it had butter in it! It is truly a Paula Dean recipe!

I made a batch last night, and it is gooouoood.
If you aren't quite in the holiday mood just yet, this drink will get you in the spirit!!