Making apple cider without a juicer is absolutely possible, and it can be done using a slow cooker! I've personally experimented with this method, and I have to say, the taste is incredible. The process is relatively simple, and you don't need any fancy equipment to enjoy a delicious homemade apple cider.
To start, gather your ingredients. You'll need fresh apples, an orange, and some spices. I recommend using a mix of sweet and tart apple varieties, such as Granny Smith and Honeycrisp, to achieve a well-balanced flavor profile. As for the spices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and a touch of nutmeg work beautifully.
Begin by washing and slicing the apples. There's no need to peel or core them since we'll be straining out the pulp later. Simply cut them into thin slices, about 1/4 inch thick, and place them in the slow cooker.
Next, take your orange and give it a good wash. Cut it into quarters and add it to the slow cooker along with the apple slices. This will add a lovely citrusy note to the cider.
Now, it's time to add the spices. I usually use two cinnamon sticks, about 6 whole cloves, and a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg. However, feel free to adjust the quantities based on your personal taste preferences.
Once all the ingredients are in the slow cooker, it's time to add water. The amount of water will depend on the size of your slow cooker. Mine can hold about 10 cups of water, but yours may vary. The idea is to cover the apples, orange, and spices completely.
Now, set your slow cooker to high heat and let it work its magic for 4 to 5 hours. During this time, the apples will soften and release their flavors, infusing the water with their natural sweetness.
After the cooking time is up, it's time to mash the apples. You can use a potato masher or a fork to gently mash the softened fruit in the slow cooker. This step helps extract even more flavor from the apples.
Once the apples are mashed, it's time to strain out the pulp. Grab a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth and place it over a large bowl or pitcher. Slowly pour the contents of the slow cooker into the sieve, allowing the liquid to strain through while catching the pulp and spices.
You'll be left with a beautiful, amber-colored liquid – your homemade apple cider! The aroma filling your kitchen at this point is simply heavenly.
At this stage, you can taste the cider and adjust the sweetness or spice level to your liking. If you prefer a sweeter cider, you can add a touch of honey or maple syrup. Likewise, if you want a more pronounced spice flavor, you can add additional cinnamon or cloves.
Once you're happy with the flavor, transfer the cider to a heatproof container and serve it warm. It's perfect for cozy autumn days or as a comforting treat during the holiday season.
If you have any leftovers, you can refrigerate the cider and enjoy it chilled. It should keep well for about a week, although I doubt it will last that long!
Making apple cider without a juicer is not only doable but also incredibly rewarding. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to develop and infuse, resulting in a cider that's rich, aromatic, and bursting with apple goodness.
So, grab your slow cooker, gather some fresh apples, and get ready to indulge in a cup of homemade apple cider that will warm your soul and bring a smile to your face. Cheers!