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Autumn apple nog

This eggless, cocoa-like, nonalcoholic beverage is perfect for chilly autumn days when you want to warm up!

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A Palatable Pastime
A warm autumn drink that has a the flavor of pie and the "mouth feel" of hot chocolate.

What a conundrum!

When I was being imaginative and dreaming this little gem up, little did I realize how difficult it would be to describe it or title it. Cocoa? Not quite. Hot apple pie? But we drink it. Not a tea, not a latte, no alcohol, no eggs. It seems at every turn there weren’t words for it. Thanks to Sandy Birnbaum for helping me to think up a clever title/name for it. It was her idea. Aren’t friends great? 

But still, this has no alcohol, and is essentially like a hot chocolate with no chocolate, (white or otherwise) in it. It has the perfect flavor of pie, with as much mouth feel for the baked dessert as I could muster in a drink.

It is interesting that most of the hot drinks we make revolve around coffee, or tea, or chocolate. There is a whole world of flavors out there, and when the weather turns cool as it does in October, our hearts turn to a warm cup of any sort, and apples this month are the star. And as a different twist from the usual assortment of hot and mulled apple ciders, this is made with milk and zero cider, mostly to get the mouth feel, but also, to be different from just warmed cider. The pudding mix is essential for the mouth feel as well, since pie is not a watery sensory experience. It is all part and parcel of this unusual drink, which may become one of your favorites.

It mixes quite a batch, but I keep it in a closed pitcher in the refrigerator and just warm it as I need it. Great for breakfast, or sipping while cuddled up in a fuzzy afghan or throw, watching the leafs turn and fall in a graceful dance from the changing trees outside the window. I hope you enjoy!

Autumn apple nog

Serves 8

1 (1 ounce) box sugar-free vanilla Jello Instant Pudding and Pie mix
2 cups unsweetened apple sauce
5 cups milk
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
whipped cream (for topping, if desired)

1. Whisk together and heat on low until drinkably hot.

2. Pour into mugs and top with whipped cream, if desired.

Related post on A Palatable Pastime: Pumpkin spice hot chocolate

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