That Extra Dash? Cider

This is definitely the month for cider. Usually most people have it just a chilled drink during this time of year. However it can be a vital ingredient to any fall cooking or baking. Its' taste livens up any dish , giving it a pop of unexpected flavor. A dash of cider is just a great idea for whatever you have in mind.

Surprisingly any meat goes well with cider. It can be used with turkey. duck and chicken, as a sauce or a marinade to flavor the meat. Mostly it's used in pork and ham dishes. which makes sense. For centuries Germans have been serving apple dishes as sides with these meats. To add cider to them is a no brainer. There is a great crock pot recipe that calls for slow cooking ham with cider for four hours and then roasting it in a cider bath. You can also braise pork loin in it for a both delightfully sweet and savory main meal. Wild meats such as venison can also be cooked with apple cider. too, mostly in pot roasts. If you're adventurous you can try cider as a marinade for this as well.

Apple cider is widely used in baking. Many farms across the country feature apple cider doughnuts amongst their baked products. These add a sweet fruity note and are almost impossible to resist. For a different spin make cider doughnut holes too for fun party snacking. The drink is also used in muffin recipes along with cake ones. Apple cider pound cake is a New England favorite , perfect for a Sunday afternoon tea. There is also the decadent caramel apple cake made not only with cider but also with a good helping of apples and caramel. You can also use apple cider in making spicy sorbets, a good dessert for warm Indian summer evenings.

Apple cider is perfect on its' own as a refreshing, chilled drink. However it's even better used as an ingredient in any kind of dish from dinner to dessert. Try it for it's versatility and to liven up your fall menu!

Make Your Own Marinades

This is the high season for grilling. It's also the time when good steaks, chickens and even fish can get dried out from too much grilling. What to do ? Marinate them. The best ones are the ones you make yourself. You can add favorite ingredients and create unique flavors . Best of all you won't have dried out meat.

A basic marinade consists f four parts. Vinegar or citrus for tendering the meat, flavorings of any kind, oil to give the meat some moisture and to hold everything together and a little salt. This las t is to make the meat more flavorful and juicy. Vinegars can anything from the basic red wine vinegar to s sweeter fruit infused one. I would suggest using an apple cider vinegar. i think this has a lovely taste and would add a little bit of sweet and sour tot he marinade.As for oil, simple light olive oil is the best and of course use freshly ground sea salt. Seasonings can range from anything like the fiery hot ginger to the mellow rosemary. I would think of adding garlic for some steak and pork marinades to give the meat more flavor and zest.Some grillers add their spins . Some put beer and bourbon in their sauces for a wilder flavor. Some add macerated fruit like peaches or oranges The flavor is up to you.

One of the most important parts in creating the perfect marinade are the rations. Always remember to add. Add one cup of vinegar or citrus to one cup oil plus a tablespoon of fresh ground sea salt. (you may vary the salt amount according to your tastes). then with the spices, i;d say go by the pinch and dash method. Whatever makes the most flavorful ten stick with it. .

A home made marinade is the great for this season's different cuts. make your ribs and filets unique by creating g a one of a kind marinade. It'll be the hit of the grilling season!!!