Slow Cooker Apple Cider | Freezer-Friendly

Last year I came across a great sale on apples.  Looking at all of them, though, I thought about all the waste I was going to have.  I scoured the internet for ways to use up peels, cores & bad spots and came across the idea of using them in apple cider.  One batch and we were hooked! 
My kids eat several pounds of apples a week, so we have enough pieces for a batch at least once a month.  When buying cinnamon sticks, skip the traditional brands and look for a brand like Badia (check the Hispanic food aisle).  The spices are fantastic and the prices are just a fraction.

Slow Cooker Apple Cider

3 pounds of apples (whole, cut into pieces), apple pieces (cores & peels) or a combination of the two; best with several varieties of apples
1 whole orange, cut into pieces
10 whole cloves
3 cinnamon sticks or 1 T. ground cinnamon
1/4 cup sugar (white, brown or combination)
Add ingredients to slow cooker; cover with water. Cook 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. Mash fruit and let cook for another 2-4 hours on low. Strain & serve.
Filling My Freezer Let cider cool and then ladle into freezer ziptop bags or freezer-safe jars. Store 3-4 months for best taste.
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