Sleigh Driver

http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/sleigh_driver.html

From EatingWell:  November/December 2009

This scrumptious nonalcoholic punch adds pear, cranberries and vanilla to the traditional hot cider.

10 servings, about 1 cup each | Active Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 2-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and sliced
• 3 pears, chopped into bite-size pieces, divided
• 2 quarts apple cider
• 1 lemon, halved and sliced
• 1 tablespoon ground allspice
• 1 cup fresh cranberries
• 2 tablespoons vanilla extract

Preparation

1. Combine water, sugar, ginger and 1 pear in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally. Strain out the solids and return the mixture to the pan.
2. Add the remaining pears, cider, lemon and allspice and heat over medium-high heat, stirring often, for 15 minutes.
3. Add cranberries and vanilla and reduce the heat to medium-low (the liquid should be simmering, not boiling). Let simmer for 10 minutes more. Serve in heat-safe mugs.

Nutrition

169 Calories; 0 g Fat; 0 g Sat; 0 g Mono; 0 mg Cholesterol; 42 g Carbohydrates; 0 g Protein; 2 g Fiber; 2 mg Sodium; 61 mg Potassium

3 Carbohydrate Serving

Exchanges: 1 fruit, 2 other carbohydrates

Tips & Notes

• Make Ahead Tip: Let cool, cover and refrigerate for up to 1 day. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave on Medium.