Winter: Warm Vanilla Cider

Ingredients:

• 6 cups fresh apple cider
• 2 tablespoons packed dark-brown sugar
• 2 whole nutmeg seeds
• 1 vanilla bean (split and scraped)
• 6 ounces (3/4 cup) bourbon, if desired
• Whipped cream

Honeyed Walnuts:

• 1 cup finely chopped walnuts
• 3 tablespoons honey
• Pinch of coarse salt

Directions:

1. Combine apple cider, dark-brown sugar, nutmeg seeds, and vanilla bean in a medium saucepan. Gently simmer over medium-low heat for 15 minutes. Remove from heat, and add bourbon if desired. Remove and discard solids. Divide among 6 mugs or heatproof glasses, and top each with a dollop of whipped cream and a few honeyed walnuts.
2. For Honeyed Walnuts: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine walnuts, honey, and salt in a bowl. Toss to coat, and spread in a single layer onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake, tossing occasionally, until toasted, about 15 minutes. Let cool. -Image and Recipe Marthastewart.com