GINGERED SPICE BUNDLES IN A JAR

Gingered Spice Bundles in a Jar

1 package 100% cotton cheesecloth
6 (12 inch) lengths poultry twine or food-safe string
12 (3-inch) cinnamon sticks
3 ounces crystallized ginger, diced into 3/8- to 1/2-inch pieces (about 2/3 cup)
1/4 cup fennel seeds
1 1/2 teaspoons ground nutmeg
60 whole cloves

Cut 6 pieces of cheesecloth, each 8 inches long (double thickness). Lay pieces out on flat surface. Break 2 cinnamon sticks into pieces 1-inch or smaller for each bundle. Add ingredients in the following amounts to each bundle: 1 1/2 tablespoons diced ginger, 2 teaspoons fennel seeds, 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg and 10 cloves.

Bring corners of bundles together, tucking in loose edges. Tie each bundle with twine. Layer spice bundles in 1-pint wide-mouth jar or container. Seal jar.

Decorate jar and attach the following instructions on a gift tag:

Spiced Pear Cider

Makes about 1 quart.

4 cups (32 ounces) pear nectar
3 cups (24 ounces) apple cider
1 Gingered Spice Bundle

Place pear nectar and apple cider in 3-quart saucepan. Bring mixture to boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally. When mixture boils, add spice mix bundle. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, for 20 to 25 minutes to infuse the spice flavors. Remove bundle and serve immediately. Refrigerate any leftovers. Serve hot or chilled.