1-First: gather all your ingredients to make the process smooth. Start by rinsing the 10 medium apples under cool water and cutting them into quarters, but remember to discard the cores to avoid any bitterness. Next, peel the orange and separate it into segments, as this helps release its flavors during cooking.

2-Second: place the orange segments into your slow cooker. Add the quartered apples, along with the 4 cinnamon sticks, 1 teaspoon ground cloves, and 6 tablespoons of granulated sugar. Pour in just enough water to cover the fruit, which typically takes about 8-10 cups depending on your cooker size.

3-Third: cover the slow cooker and set it to LOW for 6-7 hours, or HIGH for 4 hours, to let the flavors meld together. This slow process draws out the natural juices from the apples and spices, creating that rich apple cider taste we all love. Keep an eye on it if you’re using HIGH to prevent overcooking.

4-Fourth: once the cooking time is up, use tongs to remove the cinnamon sticks. Then, mash the fruit thoroughly with a sturdy spoon or potato masher right in the cooker to release more flavors. Return the cinnamon sticks, cover again, and cook for another hour on LOW to intensify the taste.

5-Fifth: slowly strain the liquid through a fine-mesh sieve into a heat-safe pitcher, discarding the solids afterward. If you notice any particles left, strain it once more for a smoother texture. This step is key for that clear, professional finish to your apple cider.

6-Final step: serve the cider warm for the best experience, perhaps in mugs with a cinnamon stick garnish for extra flair. The total time is about 8 hours and 30 minutes, yielding around 1.5 quarts, perfect for sharing. For a stovetop alternative, simmer all ingredients in a stockpot for 2 hours, then follow the mashing and straining steps as described.