Creamy Caramel Cider

There's nothing like a big warm mug of apple cider to make a long cold winter day more bearable.  I've always been an apple cider fan and when I came across this recipe, I was pretty sure we were going to be best friends.  The original recipe just called for a "dollop" of whipped cream.  Dollop is a fun word to use but I decided that this situation called for more then a dollop.  After a generous scoop of whipped cream started melting into my cup of cinnamon, apple, caramel goodness, I knew I had done the right thing.  The creamy factor that it added to this cup of yum turned it into a cup of perfection.  I think I may be addicted.

Ingredients:

• 1 gallon apple cider
• about 6 ounces caramel topping
• 3 cinnamon sticks
• whipped cream
• cinnamon sticks to grate, to taste

Directions:

1. Put apple cider and cinnamon sticks in a crock pot on low for 4 hours
2. One hour before serving, remove cinnamon sticks then add caramel and stir.
3. When serving top with a generous scoop of whipped cream (this is what makes it creamy, so don't be shy).  Grate some cinnamon sticks over the top, snuggle up in a warm blanket and enjoy.

*Source:  Six Sisters