Cooking with Cider
If you’re looking to add a unique twist to your holiday menu this year, consider cooking with cider for Thanksgiving.
This versatile ingredient can elevate both sweet and savory dishes and perfectly complements traditional flavors.
Check out the recipes below to explore creative ways to incorporate cider into your Thanksgiving feast, ensuring your celebration is both memorable and mouthwatering.
Cider Braised Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Serves: 6
Prep Time: 10 minutes. Cook Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients:
• 1 pound Brussels sprouts, halved
• 4 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 small onion, sliced
• 1 cup cider
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Optional, 1 small apple thinly sliced
• Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Cook bacon in a large skillet until crisp. Remove and keep the fat in the pan.
Add onion and Brussels sprouts. Sauté until lightly browned.
Pour in cider. Add apple if using.
Simmer uncovered until the liquid is reduced and glossy, about 10 minutes.
Stir in Dijon. Add salt and pepper.
Return bacon to the pan and serve.
Sourdough Cider and Sage Stuffing
Serves: 8
Prep Time: 15 minutes plus apple soak. Cook Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients:
• 8 cups cubed sourdough bread
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 2 apples, diced
• 1 cup cider
• 1 tablespoon chopped sage
• 1 cup stock
• Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Toss diced apples with cider. Let soak for 15 minutes, then drain and reserve cider.
Sauté onion and celery in butter until soft.
Combine bread, vegetables, apples, sage, and reserved cider.
Add stock until the bread is moist but not soggy.
Transfer to a baking dish. Bake at 350 F for 30 to 40 minutes until golden on top.
Cider Cranberry Sauce
Serves: 8
Prep Time: 5 minutes. Cook Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients:
• 12 ounces fresh cranberries
• 1 cup cider
• 1 cup sugar
• Zest of 1 orange
• 1 cinnamon stick
Instructions:
Bring cider and sugar to a simmer.
Add cranberries, orange zest, and cinnamon stick.
Cook until berries burst and the sauce thickens.
Remove cinnamon stick. Cool before serving.