2 qts. apple cider
1/4 c. lemon juice
1/2 c. firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 tsp. allspice
1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp. salt
12 whole cloves
2 (3 inch) sticks cinnamon

Combine first 6 ingredients in a Dutch oven. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally to dissolve sugar.

Place cloves and cinnamon in cheesecloth. Bring edges of cheesecloth together at top and tie securely to for a small bag. Drop bag into simmering cider mixture; simmer 10 more minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove spice bag. Discard.

Pour cider into heatproof punch bowl. Yields: 2 quarts.