With crockpot apple cider, there's no such thing as last-minute prep. When you're expecting guests, just load the slow cooker hours in advance and spend your time visiting instead.

Ingredients

• 2 cinnamon sticks (3 inches each)
• 1 teaspoon whole cloves
• 1 teaspoon whole allspice
• 2 quarts apple cider
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 orange, sliced

Directions

1. Place cinnamon, cloves and allspice on a double thickness of cheesecloth; bring up corners of cloth and tie with a string to form a bag.
2. Place cider and brown sugar in a 3-qt. slow cooker; stir until sugar dissolves. Add spice bag. Place orange slices on top. Cover and cook on low for 2-3 hours or until heated through. Discard spice bag.