Both the snow photoshoot and the apple cider photos were captured with an Olympus PEN E-PL7 and Olympus Digital 14-42mm 1:3.5-5.6 II R MSC Lens. Aren't they so pretty!?
First snow alert!!
Ok, so the first snow was actually a couple of weeks ago now. I was with my close (vegan!) friend (who also happens to be my cousin) Gretty and her daughter Zuzu (best name ever!), when it started to snow big, fat, giant flakes. SO PRETTY!!!! 😍
There is something so striking about the first snow of the year. Even though I grew up in Canada and snow happens every year, the first snow always feels like magic is falling from the sky. Big, white, puffy, angelic, snow flakes lightly zig zagging towards the ground. Seriously takes my breath away. I can't help but stare out the window and watch this magic happen before my eyes.
I mean, eventually we will reach the point of “are you serious? MORE snow? It’s April!" But for now, the snow is still charmingly new, fresh and sparkly.
The three of us decided we MUST capture this moment immediately, because snow flakes just look so darn pretty in our hair. True story folks. So I grabbed my Olympus PEN E-PL7 (also new and sparkly) and we dashed into the forest.
This moment called for my PEN instead of just using my phone. It really took the moment from every day snaps, to a full on photoshoot with high quality pics. These babies are totally framable.
The PEN is a pretty nifty camera. ↑↑↑ see how nifty it is? It not only takes gorgeous high-quality photos, but it’s designed for social media hounds (like me!). It has a screen that flips down so you can see yourself, making selfies a breeze (it worked wonders for our group shot)! It also connects to wifi, and you can connect it to your social media accounts to post your photos directly. How neat is that? There are some really neat little videos on the Olympus PEN site showing all of the fun features, but me, I just like good 'ol high res shots. Shall we take a look? We shall.
Look at this glowingly gorgeous lady! I love how the snow and grey tones of the forest and sky made a perfect backdrop for our seasonal photoshoot. What a babe! Ow ow.
I mean, come on! Really? Could you have a more photogenic 13 year old? I think not. Zuzu wanted me to assure all of you that her coat is pleather. Haha!
And this little muffin of an animal. Cute lil’ Lizzy dog. I don't think she was as impressed with the snow as we were, but she had fun sniffing things. Dog life.
Then there’s me, being the over-smiling goof that I am. Note to self, bring gloves next time, snow is cold. Apparently I am still not great at dressing for cold weather.
I love this photo of all of us! Aren't we the cutest? We are, I know it. Thank you ladies for sharing this moment with me. So happy we captured this day together 🙂
After this frozen photoshoot we all needed to warm up. I unfortunately had not made this apple cider yet, but I sure wish I had!!
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This Easy Homemade Apple Cider is the PERFECT treat to have ready for such occasions. Just chop up the fruit into quarters, chuck everything in a big ‘ol pot (cores, peels, and all), and simmer for 2 hours. Strain out the fruit and spices and pour a warming cup of holiday cheer.
My roommate was in love with the scent that filled our house. If you want to impress company, have this simmering away on the stove. Christmas is in the air!
(click stars to vote)
Easy Homemade Apple Cider
Servings: Cups
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Ingredients
- 8 apples of choice, (I used spartan apples, but whatever kind you like. This is a great recipe to use up apples that are getting too soft)
- 2 oranges
- 6 cinnamon sticks, (plus more for garnish, optional)
- 1 teaspoon whole cloves, (the spice)
- 1 teaspoon whole allspice
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 10 cups water
Instructions
- Wash the apples and oranges and then quarter the fruit. No need to removes any seeds, skin, cores, or peels, these will all be strained out later. Add your chopped fruit to a really big pot. Add in the remaining ingredients, the cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice, brown sugar, and water. Bring the pot to a boil and then reduce to simmer. Simmer for about 2 hours until the apples breakdown and it smells delicious.
- Put a fine mesh strainer over a large bowl or another really large pot, and strain out and discard the fruit and spices. Serve hot with a cinnamon stick for garnish.
Nutrition
Bon Appetegan!
Sam.
I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.
Rika says
Hi! Sam, the recipe sounds great. How long can you store the cider in fridge. And can i warm it up later when serving the drink. Going to make a cider for the very first time, dont know anything about it. Thank You!
Jennifer says
This was easy and amazing! A huge hit and so much better than buying apple juice and simmering it with spices.
Char says
Merry Christmas!
Julie says
Although the smell was delicious while simmering, my cider turned out bitter . Could it be from the orange peel?
Sam Turnbull says
Did you add the sugar? That should cut any bitterness.
Julie says
Yes I added the sugar. Should I add more than the recipe calls for if it’s bitter or not simmer the oranges with the apple and just add orange juice at the end?
Sam Turnbull says
Yes you can add more sugar if needed. I didn't find the need to remove the orange peels but if yours are very bitter perhaps it's a good idea. Enjoy!
Judy says
HOW Would this turn out if I tried to preserve it? Maybe by pouring it into ice cube trays and then putting the frozen cubes into baggies?
Sam Turnbull says
Hi Judy, yes you can freeze it. Just pour into freezable containers or sealable bags leaving room for expansion. Enjoy!
plasterers bristol says
Gotta love this old school classic, great recipe, thanks for sharing.
Simon
Sam says
You're very welcome Simon, I hope you enjoy it 🙂
Kristi says
Beautiful ladies (and pup)! The apple cider sounds delicious.
Sam says
Awww thank you!!
Srivani says
Cute pics!!! You all make the first snow-fall looks so glamorous!! I do agree though, there is something magical and beautiful about the first snow of the season. My outlook changes drastically by mid-January though! 😛
However, that said, I can attest that this apple cider recipe is super simple and fills the entire house with the most amazing aroma. Oh, yeah, and it's delicious too. Thanks Sam. I'm sipping some now on this rather damp, dreary December day.
Sam says
Aww shucks, thank you Srivani! Haha me too, mid-January, I might as well be holding a sign that say "I hate snow". So happy you love the apple cider recipe 🙂
Bethery says
We didn't get snow last year, and I'm so close to Canada. I hope we do this year. Will make this cider when my son comes for Christmas.
Sam says
I hope you do too! As much as I like the warm weather, snow on Christmas is just breathtaking... especially with hot apple cider!
mOm says
Pretty beautiful my family...eh?
Sam says
Haha, totally. Thanks mom.
mark guncheon says
Could you do this in a crockpot?
Sam says
Yes absolutely. I don't actually own a crockpot, so I am unsure of how long it would take, but you will know by taste 🙂
Kathy says
What awesome pictures...I love snow too!!! I really like your cider recipe...not complicated like one recipe I saw!!! I am definitely trying this!! Thanks!!!!
Sam says
Thank you! Yay! I hope you like the apple cider Kathy 🙂
Emilie @ Emilie Eats says
The pictures look beautiful! I'm so jealous of that pillowy snow...we don't really get much (read: any) of that down in Louisiana. Thanks so much for the recipe! I've been looking for an apple cider recipe.
Sam says
I know!!! Pillowy gorgeous snow!! So pretty... for the first month. Haha. In a month I will be wishing I was in Louisiana!! 🙂
Arlene Cohen says
Love all three of ya. Beautiful pics of beautiful women.
Sam says
Thank you 🙂
Arlene says
Love all three of ya. Beautiful pics of three beautiful women