Slow Cooker Caramel Apple Cider

[nverland]

Slow Cooker Caramel Apple Cider
TOTAL TIME: Prep: 5 min. Cook: 2 hours MAKES: 12 servings
Yield: 12 servings (3/4 cup each)

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 (3 inches), optional

Directions
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.
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.