Parade of Homes 2009 was a huge success (and tons of fun!)   We did cooking demos from 5:00-8:00 of old fashioned baked pears, apple dumplings and poached pears with rum sauce.  We also gave out samples of gingerbread with cream, apple spice cake and cider with the recipes.  Unfortunately I did not copy the recipe correctly for the gingerbread so the correct recipe is below!  Oops!  Sorry about that.                               

Recipes—Hot Mulled Cider This spicy hot drink is perfect for frosty autumn days with friends or cozy evenings at home in front of a warm fire. For 8 cups apple cider or juice add ˝ cup brown sugar and a dash of ground nutmeg and about 6" stick cinnamon. In a tea ball or bag add  1 tsp. whole cloves, 1 tsp. whole allspice. Add to cider and heat to boiling on stove or in crock pot.  *You can also add peels of apple, pear or slices of orange like I did at the Parade of Homes.  Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove spice bag and discard. Pour into individual mugs with a thin slice of orange wedge and stick of cinnamon. Makes 8 cups
Recipes—Gingerbread   Ingredients: 1 1/2 C flour 3/4 tsp. ground cinnamon 3/4 tsp. ground ginger 3/4 tsp. baking soda 1/2 tsp. salt 1/2 C shortening 1/2 C packed light brown sugar 1 egg 1/2 C light molasses 1/2 C boiling water   How-To: Sift together first 5 ingredients and set aside. Beat shortening on medium speed electric mixer for about 1 minute. Add brown sugar and beat until fluffy. Add egg and molasses and beat one more minute. Add dry ingredient mixture and water alternately to beaten mixture, beating after each addition. Turn mixture into a greased and lightly floured 9" round baking pan. Bake at 350 F for 30-35 minutes or till done in center. Cool slightly. Serve warm with a fresh whipped cream and garnish with lemon peal (optional). Makes 8 servings.

1cup apple cider,  1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup maple syrup, 1/4 cup rum, 1 tbl molasses, 1 tsp ginger, 1 tsp cinnamon.  Put all ingredients in a microwave safe bowl and microwave on high until thickened and bubbly. Let cool enough to handle safely and pour over gingerbread. Add a healthy dollop of whipped cream just before serving.