Flaming Holiday Punch

Adjust the oven rack to the middle position and heat the oven to 350°F (177℃). Slice 1 orange into thin rounds; set aside and reserve for garnish. In a small bowl, combine cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg; set aside.

Stud the remaining 4 oranges with the whole cloves by inserting the pointed end of the clove through the orange peel until only the bud protrudes. Slice the studded oranges in half crosswise. Transfer the orange halves, cut side down, to a parchment paper-lined rimmed baking sheet. Bake studded oranges until soft and cut-side is browned, 30 to 40 minutes. 

Warm the rum by placing the bottle in a pot of hot (not boiling) water for 10 minutes or so. 

While the rum warms, heat the cider in a large saucepan over medium until steamy; pour into a pitcher and have ready for use.

When ready to ignite the punch, pour the warmed rum into a large heatproof Dutch oven (off heat) or heatproof punch bowl and whisk in the sugar until dissolved. Stir in roasted orange halves and transfer the Dutch oven to a well ventilated open area, away from flammable materials (on a clean stovetop with all burner off is fine).

Dim lights for effect, then, using a heatproof ladle, scoop up a small amount of the rum. Holding the ladle away from the Dutch oven (and your face, and the curtains, and the dog), light the scoop of rum using a kitchen match -- if necessary, add a little high-proof rum to aid in ignition.

Carefully drizzle the flaming rum in the ladle into the Dutch oven, igniting the rest of the rum in the Dutch oven. Sprinkle the spice mixture, one pinch at a time, into the flames. (be careful, the flames may pop.)

After a minute or two of burning, or whenever you're tired of the spectacle, douse the flames by gently pouring the hot cider (and hot water if using), over the flames with the ladle as you go. The flames may not immediately go out, but keep stirring and as the alcohol is diluted, they'll soon flicker and die. If needed, carefully place the lid on the Dutch oven to fully extinguish the flames.