Combining Apples with Pork

Winter will soon be here, and with it comes cold weather-which is perfect for cozy meals and hot drinks.

For me, winter is the best time to sit down and enjoy a hot apple cider, along with pork chops and homemade applesauce. In addition to being warm and comforting during a time of low temperatures and uninviting weather, pork chops and applesauce with hot apple cider is very filling and makes for a relaxing, somewhat heavy meal.

Of course the apple cider goes well with the applesauce, and they both bring a little sweetness to an otherwise salty meal. This food and drink pairing is great after a long day, and warm drinks always have a sense of coziness and intimacy.

Since I have already written about a pork chop recipe, here are two simple recipes for making apple cider and applesauce.

Apple Cider

Ingredients:

• 1 quart apple juice or apple cider
• Cinnamon sticks
• ¼ cup nutmeg
• ½ cup sugar
• 1-2 lemons
• 1-2 oranges

Directions:

1. Stir together the nutmeg, sugar, and apple juice or apple cider in a pot. You may also use a crock-pot. Bring to a boil.

2. Let simmer for 10 minutes. Garnish with cinnamon sticks and slices of orange and/or lemon.

3. If using a crock-pot, add cinnamon, lemons, and/or oranges. Keep on low heat, and serve whenever.

Applesauce

Ingredients:

• 6-8 apples (preferably Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, Fuji, or Mcintosh)
• Cinnamon

Directions:

1. Peel apples. Core the apple or cut apples into small chunks.

2. Place apples in to a pot and cover the pot. Bring the pot to a boil. Let simmer for 30 minutes, or until apples are soft and tender.

3. Strain and then mash apples with potato masher. Or, for a smoother applesauce, put apples in a blender and blend for a few seconds.

4. Add cinnamon to taste, and mix it in with applesauce. You can also try adding sugar, nutmeg, or even a little bit of lemon juice.

5. Serve with the pork chops. It also tastes good if used as a sauce with the pork chops.

Fun Fact:

According to recent studies, apples may "help control weight gain, lower the risk of heart disease and fight cancer." The skin is considered to be the most nutritious part of the apple, so you may want to include it in your recipes.

Resources:

Essortment