When the holiday season rolls in, I always find myself reflecting on the beauty of being surrounded by family—both the family we’re born into and the family we find along the way. If you’ve read my Purr-fect Relic Cozy Mystery series, you know the heart of Rebecca Cuthbert’s world isn’t just her talking cat, Aneksi, or the quirky mysteries she solves. It’s also the people she shares her life with—her grandfather and her friends in the small town of Citrus Grove, which have become her extended “found family.” 

For Rebecca, the holidays are about sitting around her grandfather’s cluttered antique shop, sipping something warm, and swapping stories about the strange and wonderful treasures they’ve come across. It’s about laughter, good food, and making new memories—things we can all relate to, especially as the winter nights grow longer and colder.

One of my favorite ways to bring everyone together is by sharing something warm and comforting. I especially love to make a big batch of mulled cider—something that fills the house with the scent of cinnamon, cloves, and cranberries. It’s the perfect drink to sip while gathered around the fire, or in Rebecca’s case, while unraveling another mystery in Citrus Grove.

If you’re looking for a festive recipe to enjoy with your family, here’s my delicious MERRY Berry Mulled Cider recipe, which is perfect for this festive season. You can make it in the slow cooker or on the stovetop, and the best part? It smells as wonderful as it tastes!

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Merry Berry Mulled Cider 

INGREDIENTS

• 1 gallon of apple cider
• 1 cup fresh cranberries (or frozen, if fresh aren’t available)
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1 orange, sliced
• 1 tablespoon whole cloves
• 1 tablespoon allspice berries
• 1/4 cup brown sugar (optional, depending on your sweetness preference)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

DIRECTIONS

1. Slow Cooker Method:
   • Pour the apple cider into your slow cooker.
   • Add the cranberries, cinnamon sticks, orange slices, cloves, allspice, and brown sugar.
   • Set the slow cooker to low and let it simmer for 3–4 hours, stirring occasionally.
   • Add the vanilla extract just before serving.
   • Strain out the spices and fruit, if desired, or leave them in for a rustic look.
2. Stovetop Method:
   • In a large pot, combine the apple cider, cranberries, cinnamon sticks, orange slices, cloves, allspice, and brown sugar.
   • Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer on low for 30–45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
   • Add the vanilla extract just before serving.
   • Strain, if desired, or serve as-is for a rustic feel.

This mulled cider is a cozy, crowd-pleasing drink that’s perfect for holiday gatherings. I hope this recipe warms your home as much as it does mine. 

Happy holidays, from my family to yours! 🐾🎄P.S. Keep an eye out for Crime and Cat-astrophes—the fourth book in the Purr-fect Relic Cozy Mystery series—coming in February!

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