Old Fashioned Mulled Cider

3 quarts (12 cups) apple cider

4 whole cloves

3 cinnamon sticks

1 cup dark rum

In a large pot combine the apple cider, cloves and cinnamon sticks.   Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat and allow the cider to simmer uncovered for 25 to 35 minutes.  Pour the cider

mixture through the cheesecloth-lined strainer into a large saucepan, and keep warm.  When ready to serve, put 1 or 2 tablesppons of dark rum into each mug, and then fill to the rim with mulled cider.  If  desired, garnish with orange slices, whole cloves and cinnamon sticks.

Serves 12.