Mulled Apple Cider with Sweet Honey Cream

Ingredients

• 2 quarts apple cider
• 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 2 star anise
• 1/2 teaspoon whole cloves
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1 stalk lemongrass chopped
• 1 cup cream
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

Instructions

1. 1
   For the sweet honey cream: In a chilled bowl, combine cream, honey, and nutmeg and whip until stiff peaks form. Refrigerate.
2. 2
   For the mulled apple cider: Combine the cider, light brown sugar, bay leaves, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, ginger, and lemongrass in a large pan. Bring to a boil, then simmer uncovered 30 minutes.
3. 3
   Strain the spices from the mixture and discard. Return the cider to pan and keep warm. The cider is ready to be served as is.
4. 4
   Fill mug with hot cider and garnish with sweet honey cream.