How to Prepare Erica’s Cootie Catcher

You will need:

• 2-4 mason jars (I use 6 oz size jars)

• 64 oz of apple cider

• 3 oz of apple cider vinegar

• 1.5 oz of honey (local honey is recommended)

• 1-2 sticks of cinnamon

• 1 Tbsp of each dried herb, except ginger & peppers

• 1-2 tsps of ginger

• 1-2 whole dried chili peppers

• optional: 2 whole allspice, 3 whole cloves, fresh grated nutmeg

Directions:

Decide how much syrup you wish to end up with. Use the chopstick method toward the bottom of this yummly recipe. We are making a reduction so that your medicine becomes something you can dip into and add to hot water or tea whenever you need throughout the season.

Add apple cider and all dried herbs to a large pot. With the lid off, heat to a low rolling boil. You will be reducing the cider down to approximately half of what you began with.

Carefully strain the herbs. Return the liquid to the same pot. Add the apple cider vinegar and honey. Stir. Continue to reduce to the final desired amount. You want the syrup to be thick but still pourable. When you have the preferred consistency, pour into mason jars.