Dulce de Leche Spicy Mulled Apple Cider

This afternoon I was craving something hot and sweet that had autumn written all over it. I checked my refrigerator, pantry, and cupboards and managed to concoct a fabulous apple cider recipe, I think I'll be serving to my guests this Thanksgiving.I'd made some homemade dulce de leche for my boys the night before (for ice cream sundaes) so I knew it would go perfect in a hot apple cider too.If you've never had dulce de leche it's a most divine thing (basically caramelized milk.) There are a lot of recipes out there, but I prepare mine by pouring one can of sweetened condensed milk into the top of double-boiler pan, I don't actually own a double-boiler pan so I make "un baño María" by placing a heat proof deep bowl into a larger pot, add hot water and simmer over low heat, stirring occasionally, for about an hour to an hour and a half, or until the milk becomes thick and caramel-colored. Remove from heat and stir briskly until smooth.You will find recipes that tell you to boil the can in the water, you can do this if you want, I certainly know plenty of Abuelas who have and do. I really can't imagine how boiling an aluminum can, could be beneficial to your health, especially if it's not absolutely necessary.Now on to the cider!Ingredients:

• Apple Cider (I used the bottled store bought kind)
• Dulce de Leche (or caramel sauce would work too)
• Mulling spices: I used what I had on hand:
• Ground ginger
• Cinnamon
• All Spice
• Whole Nutmeg
• Cayenne Pepper
• Dark Rum (optional)

In a pot simmer the apple cider, dulce de leche, and spices until the cider is imbued with the spices. Add rum if you so desire. Strain the cider as you pour into mugs.You can rim your mugs with a bit of the dulce de leche as I've done.Enjoy!