29
In this post, I’ll share with you a treasured family recipe for apple cider that’s steeped in simplicity and nostalgia. So, grab your favorite apples, and let’s embark on this rustic culinary adventure together.
Table of Contents
What Is Apple Cider?
Apple cider is a beverage made from pressed apples.
Ingredients:
- 10 pounds of apples (a mix of varieties such as Fuji, Gala, and Granny Smith works best)
- 4-5 cinnamon sticks
- 1 teaspoon of whole cloves
- 1 whole nutmeg
- Water (enough to cover the apples in the pot)
- Optional: Brown sugar or honey to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the Apples: Begin by washing the apples thoroughly to remove any dirt. Core and cut the apples into quarters. There’s no need to peel them, as the skins contribute color and flavor.
- Cook the Apples: Place the quartered apples in a large stockpot and add enough water to cover them. Stir in the cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and nutmeg. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Leave the pot uncovered and let it cook for about two hours, stirring occasionally.
- Mash the Apples: After two hours, the apples should be soft. Mash the apples in the pot with a potato masher, releasing more flavor into the cider.
- Simmer: Increase the heat slightly to maintain a steady, low simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for an additional two hours. This slow cooking process enhances the cider’s depth of flavor.
- Strain the Mixture: Place a fine-mesh sieve or colander with cheesecloth over a large bowl or pot. Carefully spoon the apple mixture into the sieve and allow the liquid to strain through. Once all the liquid has drained, gather the cheesecloth and press to extract as much liquid as possible.
- Sweeten (Optional): Taste your cider and decide if you’d like it sweeter. If so, add brown sugar or honey and stir to dissolve. Start with small amounts, tasting frequently, until you reach your desired sweetness.
- Serve: Enjoy your cider warm, garnished with a cinnamon stick or a slice of apple. Chill it in the refrigerator for a refreshing alternative, and serve it cold.
Tips:
- Choosing Apples: A mix of apple varieties will give your cider the best flavor. For complexity, include both sweet and tart apples.
- Adjusting Spices: Feel free to adjust the amount of spices based on your preference. Adding more or less will personalize the flavor.
- Preservation: Your homemade cider can be refrigerated for up to a week. For more extended storage, consider freezing it in airtight containers.
- Serving Suggestions: For an adult version, a splash of rum or brandy complements the warm spices beautifully.
What To Serve With
Breakfast And Brunch:
- Pumpkin Pancakes: The spiciness of the cider beautifully complements the flavors of pumpkin and warming spices in the pancakes. Serve with a whipped cream dollop and maple syrup drizzle for the ultimate fall breakfast.
- Bacon and Sausage: The saltiness of bacon and sausage contrasts wonderfully with apple cider’s sweet and tangy notes. This combination is perfect for a hearty brunch.
- Caramelized Apple French Toast: This rich and sweet dish pairs nicely with the acidity and freshness of the cider, cutting through the richness and cleansing the palate.
Lunch And Light Bites:
- Butternut Squash Soup: The creamy earthiness of the soup pairs delightfully with the sweet tanginess of apple cider, especially if the cider is served warm.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Apple and cheddar are time-honored combinations. Serve a sharp cheddar with crackers as a simple accompaniment to a mug of hot apple cider.
- Roasted Turkey and Brie Sandwich: The savory flavors of the turkey and the creaminess of the brie are a perfect match for the sweet and tart notes of the cider.
Dinner:
- Roasted Pork Loin: Pork and apple are a classic pairing. The subtle sweetness of the cider enhances the pork’s natural flavors.
- Roast Chicken: A simple roast chicken seasoned with herbs like rosemary and thyme goes wonderfully with the sweetness of apple cider.
- Baked Ham: The baked ham glaze pairs well with apple cider’s sweet characteristics, blending with the spices for a harmonious dish.
Desserts:
- Apple Pie or Apple Crumble: Doubling on apple flavors can be delightful. The cider offers a different texture and temperature than the warm, spiced pie or crumble.
- Cinnamon-Spiced Desserts: To highlight the complementary flavors, serve apple cider with cinnamon-spiced foods, such as cinnamon rolls or Snickerdoodle cookies.
- Cheesecake: A rich, creamy cheesecake can be beautifully cut through by the acidity and spiciness of apple cider, making it a refreshing dessert pairing.
Health Benefits
- Vitamins and Minerals: Apple cider contains various vitamins and minerals, albeit in small amounts. These include vitamin C, potassium, and some B vitamins essential for overall health.
- Antioxidants: Apples, and thus apple cider, are rich in antioxidants such as flavonoids and vitamin C. Antioxidants are crucial in fighting free radicals, reducing oxidative stress, and potentially lowering the risk of chronic diseases.
- Hydration: Apple cider, being a liquid, contributes to your daily fluid intake, helping to keep you hydrated. Proper hydration is essential for almost every bodily function, including regulating body temperature, keeping joints lubricated, and transporting nutrients to cells.
- Heart Health: The antioxidants in apple cider, particularly polyphenols like flavonoids, may improve heart health by improving blood pressure and reducing cholesterol levels. However, these effects are more pronounced with whole apples or apple juice containing the pulp.
- Digestive Aid: Unfiltered apple cider contains some dietary fibre, primarily pectin (though less than whole apples due to the processing). Pectin can help support a healthy digestive system by promoting healthy bowel movements and feeding beneficial gut bacteria.
- Immune Support: The vitamin C found in apple cider can support the immune system, helping to reduce the duration and severity of colds. Furthermore, the probiotics or beneficial bacteria in raw, unfiltered apple cider may also support gut health, which is closely linked to immune function.
- Weight Management: While apple cider is not a magic bullet for weight loss, incorporating it as part of a balanced diet can help manage weight due to its relatively low-calorie content compared to sweetened beverages. The fiber in unfiltered apple cider can also promote feelings of fullness, potentially reducing overall calorie intake.
Final Thoughts
With its array of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, apple cider offers various health benefits that can contribute significantly to a balanced and healthy lifestyle. From aiding in hydration and digestive health to supporting heart health and possibly helping in weight management, apple cider is a versatile and nutritious choice for those looking to enjoy the flavors of autumn in a glass.
More Drink Recipes:
- Cream Soda Whiskey Recipe
- Tito’s Vodka Press Recipe
- Dr Pepper’s Sparkling Sugar Cookie Drink Recipe
- Cachaça Recipe
- Homemade Starbucks Gingerbread Frappe Recipe
Ingredients
- 10 pounds of apples (a mix of varieties such as Fuji, Gala, and Granny Smith works best)
- 4-5 cinnamon sticks
- 1 teaspoon of whole cloves
- 1 whole nutmeg
- Water (enough to cover the apples in the pot)
- Optional: Brown sugar or honey to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Apples: Begin by washing the apples thoroughly to remove any dirt. Core and cut the apples into quarters. There’s no need to peel them, as the skins contribute color and flavor.
- Cook the Apples: Place the quartered apples in a large stockpot and add enough water to cover them. Stir in the cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and nutmeg. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Leave the pot uncovered and let it cook for about two hours, stirring occasionally.
- Mash the Apples: After two hours, the apples should be soft. Mash the apples in the pot with a potato masher, releasing more flavor into the cider.
- Simmer: Increase the heat slightly to maintain a steady, low simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for an additional two hours. This slow cooking process enhances the cider’s depth of flavor.
- Strain the Mixture: Place a fine-mesh sieve or colander with cheesecloth over a large bowl or pot. Carefully spoon the apple mixture into the sieve and allow the liquid to strain through. Once all the liquid has drained, gather the cheesecloth and press to extract as much liquid as possible.
- Sweeten (Optional): Taste your cider and decide if you’d like it sweeter. If so, add brown sugar or honey and stir to dissolve. Start with small amounts, tasting frequently, until you reach your desired sweetness.
- Serve: Enjoy your cider warm, garnished with a cinnamon stick or a slice of apple. Chill it in the refrigerator for a refreshing alternative, and serve it cold.
