Slow Cooker Caramel Apple Cider

Ingredients

• 8 cups apple cider or juice
• 1 cup caramel flavoring syrup
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1 vanilla bean
• 2 cinnamon sticks (3 inches)
• 1 tablespoon whole allspice
• Whipped cream, hot caramel ice cream topping and cinnamon sticks, optional

Directions

1. In a 3-qt. slow cooker, combine the apple cider, caramel syrup and lemon juice. Split vanilla bean and scrape seeds; add seeds to cider mixture. Place the bean, cinnamon sticks and allspice on a double thickness of cheesecloth; bring up corners of cloth and tie with string to form a bag. Add to cider mixture.
2. Cover and cook on low for 2-3 hours or until heated through. Discard spice bag. Pour cider into mugs; garnish with whipped cream, caramel topping and additional cinnamon sticks if desired.