Mulled Cider Applesauce for Autumn
A Hot Spiced Drink Combines With Apples for a Favorite Fall Treat
Oct 8, 2009
Apple cider, a favorite treat during the fall apple harvest and the cold months that follow, is a symbol of changing seasons and the holidays. This tasty beverage is enjoyable for the entire family, and it will fill the house with a lovely festive scent as it simmers.
Mulled Apple Cider
This mulled apple cider recipe will be used as a base for the applesauce, so it is a good idea to double the recipe; it can then be enjoyed as its own treat!
The best way to mull cider is in a crock pot. It is more time consuming than on the stove top, but the flavor is more enhanced. The cider can also be prepared in advance.
Ingredients
- 2 Quarts Apple Cider
- 3 Cinnamon Sticks
- 12-15 Cloves
- 1 Orange, sliced
Preparation
- Heat apple cider in crock pot on high setting. Add cinnamon sticks and cloves.
- Reduce heat to low and allow to simmer for at least one hour.
- 15 minutes before use, add orange slices to cider and heat on high setting
- Strain cider; the remaining liquid should be free of stray cloves or orange pieces.
Note: Apple cider differs from apple juice in the levels of filtration they receive. Although apple juice can be substituted in this recipe if necessary, apple cider is the best choice.
If prepared for drinking, this cider may be served in a mug with a cinnamon stick and a thin slice of orange.
Mulled Cider Applesauce
This applesauce may be served hot or cold. It can serve as a dessert or a side dish, and also makes a very tasty sauce for pork chops.
Ingredients
- 2 Quarts Mulled Apple Cider
- 2 Quarts McIntosh Apples (or apples of choice), peeled, cored, and chopped
- Juice of 1 Lemon
- 1 Pinch Salt
- About 1/2 cup granulated sugar (if desired) Serve plain or with dinner, as an ice cream topping or late night snack. Optional garnishes include raisins, walnuts, cinnamon, and cream.
Preparation
- Bring mulled cider to a boil in large saucepan. Add all ingredients except sugar.
- Bring back to a boil, then lower heat and allow to simmer, stirring occasionally, for 1 hour or until apples can be easily mashed with a potato masher or the back of a spoon.
- Mash. Allow to simmer until desired thickness is achieved.
- Taste, and add sugar if necessary.
- Serve plain or with dinner, as an ice cream topping or late night snack. Optional garnishes include raisins, walnuts, and ground cinnamon.
Note: In many cases, the natural sugars of the cider and apples may be sweetener enough for this applesauce. It is important to taste the mash and judge how much sugar is necessary. Also, for a richer flavor, brown sugar may be used in place of white.
Additional Recipe and Information Links
- Apple Cider: Fall's Favorite Drink
- Hot Punch Recipes for Cold Weather: Mom's Hot Holiday Punch, Red Hot Apple Juice, and Autumn's Lemonade
- Homemade Herbal Teas and Infusions
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