Tag: apple

German-Style Braised Red Cabbage with Apples

On By Isobar ExpeditionsIn Germany, Recipes5 Comments

One of the side dishes that we enjoyed quite often while in Germany was braised red cabbage with apples. It was slightly sweeter than the braised cabbage that we were used to having and found it to be quite refreshing. We had it served with schnitzel, pot roast, duck, and other meats as it is a perfect compliment to gamier entrees. The only other side dish that we had as often as red cabbage was spätzle, which was often served along with the red cabbage. We served it with our pan-seared duck with a cherry compote, which was a wonderful combination. We used a granny-smith apple, but it could be done with any other apple that holds up to cooking. It was definitely a meal that reminded us of our time in Europe.

Cabbage, Apple, and Red Onion
Pan-Seared Duck with

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 Medium Red Onion – thinly sliced
  • 1 Head Red Cabbage – cored and sliced
  • 1 Granny-Smith Apple – cored and cut into 1/2 inch slices
  • 2 cups Chicken Broth – preferably homemade
  • 1/2 cup Apple Juice
  • 1/2 cup Apple Cider Vinegar
  • 2 tbsp Granulated Sugar
  • 2 to 3 tbsp Vegetable Oil
  • Salt and Pepper to taste

INSTRUCTIONS

Heat the oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat and add the onions and about a teaspoon of salt. Cook the onions until they are tender and translucent, about 7 to 8 minutes. Add the cabbage, apple, chicken broth, apple juice, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt and pepper to the onions and stir to mix. Cover, reduce the heat to low, and cook until the cabbage for an hour.

Everything in the Dutch Oven
Cook the Red Onion Until Tender
Braised Red Cabbage with Apples

Delicious Apple Bourbon Cocktails – Perfect for Autumn

On By Isobar ExpeditionsIn Recipes4 Comments

Autumn is a time for special occasions, celebrating, and comfort food. It isn’t all about the food, though, it is also a time for special drinks and cocktails. Obviously we love gluhwein, mulled ciders, and other autumnal drinks, but we decided to do something a little different. We made an Apple Bourbon Cocktail (an “ABC” for short) with apple cider that was infused overnight with spices. The warmth of the spices pairs really well with a quality bourbon and it is definitely a festive cocktail. If you don’t want the alcohol, you can serve it as “mocktail”, but we prefer the version that has a little bit of a kick. We really enjoyed it, so hopefully you will as well.

Autumn Spices

INGREDIENTS

  • 2 cups Apple Cider (not apple juice, it needs to be a true apple cider)
  • 2 Cinnamon Sticks
  • 2 Whole Cloves
  • 1 Star Anise
  • 8 oz Bourbon
  • Apple Slices for garnish
Everything You Need for an Apple Bourbon Cocktail

INSTRUCTIONS

Place the apple cider, cinnamon, cloves, and star anise in a mason jar and put in the refrigerator for about 24 hours (at least overnight). To serve, strain the apple cider and add 4 ounces of apple cider to 2 ounces of bourbon in a rocks glass (ice cubes are optional as the drink is meant to warm your insides). Garnish with an apple slice and serve. Makes 4 servings. Cheers!

A Single Serving
Drinks for Two

Autumn Apple Margarita

On By Isobar ExpeditionsIn RecipesLeave a comment

We enjoy drinks that represent the flavors of the season and autumn is certainly one of our favorites. We had heard about a couple of variations of margaritas made with apple cider and decided to create one of our own. Steeping the apple cider with orange, cinnamon, and cloves creates an extra warmth that is enhanced by the alcohol. This recipe should probably come with a warning as it tastes so good that you won’t notice how strong the drink actually is. The cider is also delicious on its own if you don’t want the alcohol. The recipe makes a pitcher, but it can easily be paired down for individual drinks.

Pitcher of Margaritas

INGREDIENTS

  •  1 cup Gold Tequila
  •  1/2 cup Apple Brandy
  •  1 gallon Apple Cider (3 cups for drink)
  •  1/2 Orange – sliced
  •  4 Cinnamon Sticks
  •  8 Cloves

Steeping the Apple Cider

INSTRUCTIONS

Put the apple cider in a large pot.  Add the orange slices, cinnamon, cloves and heat to just a simmer over medium-high heat and then reduce the heat to low. Let it heat on low for about 30 minutes, it should not boil, to allow the spices to steep throughout the apple cider. Strain the spices and fruit and let cool. For the pitcher of margaritas, combine the tequila, apple brandy, and 3 cups of the apple cider. Serve with an apple garnish.

Refreshing Taste of Autumn