Spiced Apple Cider

The chill of November air nipped at our cheeks as we set out to the apple orchard. The trees stood barren, their once vibrant leaves now fallen, leaving the gnarled branches bare and exposed. Amidst the dormant rows I spied clusters of plump, red apples still clinging to the branches. We plucked them one by one, their crispness a testament to the season. The scent of cider hung in the air as we worked, the earthy aroma of fallen leaves and damp soil a constant companion. The bounty of juicy apples that filled our worn basket was well worth the effort. And as we trudged back to the city, cheeks rosy and numb from the cold, I knew these apples would make the most delicious cider.