Apple cider is more than just a fall favorite, its an ingredient that can be used year round. We press Apple Cider fresh from September ‘till around March then freeze that last batch to sell during the summer. No matter the time of year we always have Cider for sale. Here are 5 Recipes that go beyond plain apple cider and showcase the versatility and deliciousness of this beloved seasonal beverage. From savory dishes to sweet treats, there’s something here for every apple cider enthusiast to enjoy.
1. Apple Cider Sangria:
Let’s kick things off with a festive twist on a classic cocktail – apple cider sangria. This refreshing drink combines the crispness of apples with the warmth of cider and a hint of spice.
Ingredients:
– 1 bottle of white wine (such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
– 2 cups Baugher’s apple cider
– 1/4 cup brandy
– 2 apples, thinly sliced
– 1 orange, thinly sliced
– 1 cinnamon stick
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– Sparkling water or club soda (optional, for serving)
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine the white wine, apple cider, brandy, sliced apples, sliced orange, cinnamon stick, and ground cinnamon.
2. Stir well to combine.
3. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until chilled.
4. To serve, fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the sangria over the ice.
5. If desired, top each glass with a splash of sparkling water or club soda for a bit of fizz.
6. Garnish with additional apple slices and cinnamon sticks, if desired.
2. Apple Cider Glazed Salmon:
For a savory dish that highlights the natural sweetness of apple cider, try this mouthwatering apple cider glazed salmon. The tangy glaze perfectly complements the rich flavor of the salmon, creating a dish that is both elegant and comforting.
Ingredients:
– 4 salmon fillets
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1/2 cup Baugher’s apple cider
– 2 tablespoons maple syrup
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
– Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add the salmon fillets to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
4. In a small saucepan, combine the apple cider, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger.
5. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until slightly thickened.
6. Spoon the glaze over the cooked salmon fillets.
7. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
3. Apple Cider Braised Pork Belly:
Indulge in the rich, melt-in-your-mouth goodness of apple cider braised pork belly. This dish is a celebration of flavors, with tender pork belly slow-cooked in a savory apple cider sauce until it’s irresistibly delicious
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs pork belly, skin removed and cut into cubes
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup Baugher’s apple cider
– 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 2 sprigs fresh thyme
– 1 bay leaf
Instructions:
1. Season the pork belly cubes with salt and pepper.
2. In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add the pork belly cubes to the pot and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Remove the pork belly from the pot and set aside.
5. In the same pot, add the chopped onion and garlic. Cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
6. Return the pork belly to the pot.
7. Add the apple cider, broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, thyme sprigs, and bay leaf.
8. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
9. Cover and cook for 2-3 hours, or until the pork belly is tender and cooked through, stirring occasionally.
10. Once the pork belly is cooked, remove the thyme sprigs and bay leaf.
11. Serve the braised pork belly hot, spooning the apple cider sauce over the top.
12. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.
4. Apple Cider Roasted Vegetables:
Elevate your side dish game with these apple cider roasted vegetables. The natural sweetness of the cider caramelizes beautifully as it roasts, adding depth of flavor to an assortment of colorful veggies.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups mixed vegetables (such as carrots, Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, and red onions), chopped into bite-sized pieces
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 1/4 cup Baugher’s apple cider
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss the mixed vegetables with olive oil, apple cider, minced garlic, chopped fresh thyme, salt, and pepper until well coated.
3. Spread the vegetables in a single layer on a large baking sheet.
4. Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and caramelized, stirring halfway through.
5. Remove from the oven and serve the roasted vegetables hot as a delicious side dish.
5. Apple Cider Muffins:
Last but certainly not least, satisfy your sweet tooth with these irresistible apple cider muffins. With their moist, tender crumb and irresistible cinnamon sugar coating, these muffins are sure to become a fall favorite.
Ingredients:
For the muffins:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 3/4 cup Baugher’s apple cider
– 1/4 cup milk
For the cinnamon sugar coating:
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease with cooking spray.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk togetherthe flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. In a separate large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and combined.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the apple cider and milk, and stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
7. While the muffins are baking, prepare the cinnamon sugar coating. In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon.
8. When the muffins are done baking, allow them to cool in the pan for 5 minutes.
9. Remove the muffins from the pan and dip each muffin in the melted butter, then roll in the cinnamon sugar coating until evenly coated.
10. Transfer the muffins to a wire rack to cool completely.
With these five recipes, you can sip and savor the delicious flavors of apple cider all season long. From refreshing beverages to comforting mains and delectable desserts, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy this quintessential ingredient. So gather your loved ones, head to the kitchen, and let the aroma of apples and spices fill your home as you indulge in these delightful dishes. Happy cooking!