Bubbly Sage Cider

Bubbly Sage Cider
Prep Time
10 minutes
Number of Servings
Serves 1
Ingredients
  • Ice
  • [q:1/4] cup apple cider
  • 1 Tbsp Herb Syrup with Sage
  • [q:1/2] tsp apple cider vinegar
  • [q:3/4] cup seltzer, chilled
  • Apple slices, for garnish (optional)
  • Fresh sage
Directions
  1. Fill a chilled glass halfway with ice.
  2. Add apple cider, sage syrup, and vinegar. Stir to combine.
  3. Add seltzer and, using a spoon, gently lift cider mixture from bottom of glass to top to combine.
  4. Top with additional ice and garnish with apple slices and sage leaves, if using. Serve.
Nutrition Info
127 Calories, 1 g Protein, 0 mg Cholesterol, 32 g Carbohydrates, 24 g Total sugars (9 g Added sugars), 5 g Fiber, 1 g Total fat (0 g sat), 42 mg Sodium, [nutrition:5] Vitamin K, [nutrition:1] Vitamin A, Vitamin B6, Iron

Cider-Glazed Sweet Potatoes with Cranberries

Cider-Glazed Sweet Potatoes with Cranberries
Prep Time
35 min prep time
Number of Servings
Serves 6
Ingredients
  • 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
  • [q:1 1/2] cups apple cider or apple juice
  • [q:1/4] cup (packed) golden brown sugar
  • 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
  • [q:1/2] tsp nutmeg
  • [q:1/2] tsp ground allspice
  • [q:1/2] cup dried cranberries
  • Salt and pepper
Directions
  1. Cook sweet potatoes in a large pot of boiling salted water until halfway cooked, about 5 minutes. Drain and cool. (This step can be done 1 day ahead if sweet potatoes are kept covered and refrigerated.)
  2. In a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, combine cider, sugar, butter, nutmeg, and allspice. Bring to a boil, stirring often. Add potatoes and reduce heat so liquid is simmering. Cook 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  3. Add cranberries and continue cooking until liquid is reduced to a syrupy glaze and potatoes are tender, about 10 minutes. (If glaze becomes very thick before potatoes become tender, thin with a small amount of cider.) When potatoes are tender, transfer to a serving bowl with a slotted spoon.
  4. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Pour remaining glaze over potatoes and serve.
Nutrition Info
Made with apple cider: 165 Calories, 1 g Protein, 10 mg Cholesterol, 33 g Carbohydrates, 23 g Total sugars (6 g Added sugars), 2 g Fiber, 4 g Total fat (3 g sat), 223 mg Sodium, [nutrition:3] Vitamin A

Spiced Cranberry-Apple Cider

Spiced Cranberry-Apple Cider
Prep Time
40 minutes
Number of Servings
6
Ingredients
  • 1 quart apple cider
  • 1 cup unsweetened cranberry juice
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 1-inch piece of peeled ginger, sliced thinly
  • 1 tsp whole cloves or 1 pod star anise
  • 2 Tbsp honey
  • 1 organic orange, thinly sliced with peel, (optional)
Directions
  1. Bring all ingredients, except orange slices, to a boil in a medium pan.
  2. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes.
  3. Using a fine-mesh strainer, strain cider into mugs. Discard spices.
  4. Garnish mugs with orange slices, if using, and serve.
Nutrition Info
129 Calories, 1 g Protein, 33 g Carbohydrates, 1 g Fiber, 9 mg Sodium, [nutrition:2] Vitamin C

Non-Alcoholic Hardcore Cider

Non-Alcoholic Hardcore Cider
Number of Servings
Serves 4
Ingredients
  • 4 cups Organic Apple Cider
  • 1 Cinnamon Stick
  • 2 Tbsp Honey
  • 5 Cloves
Directions
  1. Bring cider, cinnamon stick, and cloves to a boil
  2. Reduce heat, add honey
  3. Simmer for 5 minutes - make sure honey is melted
  4. Serve warm
Nutrition Info
146 Calories, 0 g Protein, 0 mg Cholesterol, 37 g Carbohydrates, 32 g Total sugars (9 g Added sugars), 1 g Fiber, 0 g Total fat (0 g sat), 11 mg Sodium, [nutrition:!] Potassium

Stuffed Cinnamon Apples

Stuffed Cinnamon Apples
with Walnuts and Raisins
Prep Time
15 minutes
Number of Servings
4
Ingredients
  • [q:1/3] cup chopped walnuts
  • [q:1/4] cup golden raisins
  • 1 Tbsp honey
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 4 apples (Golden Delicious, Jonagold, or Rome Beauty work best)
  • [q:1/2] cup apple juice or apple cider
Directions
  1. Combine walnuts, raisins, honey, and cinnamon in a small bowl. 
  2. Core apples from their tops, leaving the bottom portions of the apples intact (so walnut-raisin mixture will not fall out).*
  3. Stuff each apple with the walnut-raisin mixture. Drizzle juice over apples.
  4. Place apples in a 3-quart slow cooker. Cover and cook on Low for 6 hours or High for 4 hours, until apples are tender.
Nutrition Info
195 Calories, 3 g Protein, 36 g Carbohydrates, 5 g Fiber, 7 g Total fat (2 g mono, 4 g poly), 5 mg Sodium, [nutrition:3] Manganese, [nutrition:2] of Vitamin C, [nutrition:1] Copper

Apple Cider Risotto Cheesecake

Apple Cider Risotto Cheesecake
Prep Time
8 hours
Number of Servings
Serves 16
Ingredients

Crust

  • 2 cups finely ground cookies such as ginger snaps (choose gluten-free options if gluten-free)
  • 4 Tbsp. melted butter

Risotto

Cheesecake

  • 16 oz cream cheese
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • [q:1 1/2] cups sour cream
  • 1 Tbsp. vanilla
Directions
  1. For crust, combine cookie crumbs and melted butter, press into a greased spring form pan making sure to evenly go up the sides; refrigerate. For a firmer crust, bake for 8 minutes.
  2. To make the risotto, heat the apple cider to a simmer. Melt the butter and cook the rice until it starts to look a bit translucent. Once it starts to turn colors, add one cup of the hot apple cider, stirring continuously until all the liquid is absorbed. Continue adding the apple cider 1 cup at a time until all the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and cool. Set aside. Rice must be cooled before adding to cheesecake mixture.
  3. Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Bring 5 cups of water to a boil for a steam bath for cheesecake (reduce to simmer until needed).
  4. In a large mixing bowl, mix the cream cheese and sugar on medium until it is smooth and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Add the eggs one a time and mix each well, about 1 minute. Once eggs are mixed into batter, add the sour cream and vanilla mix just until blended. Gently stir in the cooled risotto until evenly incorporated. Pour mixture into the chilled crust.
  5. Place an oven safe dish on the lowest oven rack and pour the hot water into dish. Place the cheesecake pan on the middle rack. Bake for [q:1-1/4] hours. Turn oven off, leave door closed and let cheesecake continue to bake using the residual heat of oven for another 30 minutes. Remove cheesecake and cool on a cooling rack for 1 hour. Once the cheesecake is cool, cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours. Cut into 12 – 16 pieces.
Nutrition Info
401 Calories, 6 g Protein, 93 mg Cholesterol, 49 g Carbohydrates, 24 g Total sugars (12 g Added sugars), 1 g Fiber, 20 g Total fat (11 g sat), 144 mg Sodium, [nutrition:2] Vitamin A, Folate, [nutrition:1] Vitamin B1 (thiamine), Vitamin B2 (riboflavin), Iron, Phosphorus

Braised Sauerkraut

Braised Sauerkraut
with Apples and Cider
Prep Time
25 minutes
Number of Servings
Serves 4
Ingredients
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil
  • [q:1 1/2] tsp cumin seeds
  • 2 Granny Smith or other tart apples, peeled and thinly sliced
  • 3 cups drained sauerkraut, store-bought (from a [q:11/2]-lb jar)*
  • [q:1 1/2] cups apple cider
  • [q:1/2] tsp freshly ground black pepper
Directions
  1. Put oil and cumin seeds in a large (12 inches or wider), deep fry­ing pan and place over medium heat. When seeds start to sizzle, add apples and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 2 minutes, until apples start to soften.
  2. Stir in sauerkraut and cider and bring to a simmer. Adjust heat to maintain a simmer, cover partially, and cook for about 15 min­utes, until apples are just tender. If more than a little liquid remains, uncover pan and simmer vigor­ously for a few more minutes to reduce liquid. (This is a matter of per­sonal preference, however. If you like more liquid, you can leave it.)
  3. Stir in pepper. Serve hot or at room temperature. The sauerkraut will keep, tightly covered, in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.
Nutrition Info
123 Calories, 1 g Protein, 15 g Carbohydrates, 4 g Fiber, 7 g Total fat (1 g sat, 5 g mono, 1 g poly), 347 mg Sodium, Vitamin C, Iron, Manganese

Make Mine Cider!

Make Mine Cider!
Lynn Tryba
two mugs of hot apple cider with fresh apples and cinnamon

Cider has many of the same health benefits as whole apples because of how it’s made.

Cider's Nutrient Content

Perhaps you’ve heard the expression an apple a day keeps the doctor away? Well, what about a cup of cider? Is it as good for you as an apple?

Research is limited but the short answer is: not quite. While apple cider won’t offer the same nutrient concentration as whole raw apples, there’s still plenty to keep you sipping.

  • Vitamins and Minerals

    Apple cider contains vitamins, minerals, and nutrients such as potassium, calcium, and iron, as well as gut-friendly bacteria that are promoted by cider’s ability to deliver 90 percent of its plant polyphenols to the colon intact.

  • Polyphenols

    The polyphenols found in apple cider help fight free radicals in the body, and can decrease blood pressure, lessen inflammation, and lower risks of heart disease and cancer. Apple cider contains significantly more polyphenols than apple juice, making it a healthier beverage choice.

  • Fiber

    There’s not as much fiber in cider as an actual apple. But those who experience constipation or symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome may find some relief in drinking it.

  • Pectin

    Cider is not filtered like apple juice is, so it contains some of the apple’s pectin content. A soluble fiber, pectin can help keep you regular. Apple cider can also help relax the intestines, contributing to easier digestion.

  • Water

    Easy to swallow since it’s mostly water, apple cider helps with hydration when you’re not feeling well.

  • Sugar

    Cider is 100 percent juice from apples. One cup contains 24 grams of sugar, most of it the natural sugar fructose. Stick to a 1/2-cup serving size, or dilute the cider in half with water to control your sugar intake.

How is Apple Cider Made?

Washed apples are chopped up into a mash. Then they get squeezed or pressed to get the maximum juice out of the apple pulp.

There may be potential risk of contamination if apple cider has not been pasteurized. This can be particularly true if the cider’s been made from “drops,” which are apples harvested from the ground.

Choosing and Storing Cider

What To Look For in a Cider

Shelf-stable or frozen apple cider has typically been pasteurized. However, if you buy the cider from a refrigerated case, it may not be pasteurized. Check labels.

If you’re uncertain of a cider’s status, you can boil it before drinking to kill any bacteria. Freezing apple cider will not destroy bacteria.

Making Cider at Home

When making cider at home, avoid using “drops.” Be sure the apples are clean and fresh.

Does Cider Need to Go in The Fridge?

Most cider is pasteurized just long enough to kill bacteria without affecting its sweet flavor.

But keep your cider chilled in the refrigerator like milk, and drink it within a few weeks.

Sources

“Apple cider: are there health benefits?” by WebMD Editorial, WebMD, 3/23/23

“Apple cider nutrition, benefits and risks” by Kelsey Kunik, RDN, LIVESTRONG.com, 10/7/22

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Contributor
Lisa Fabian
The Taste for Life Staff
Tags
apples
apple cider
drinks
autumn / fall

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Hot Drinks for Cold Days

Hot Drinks for Cold Days
Curl Up and Relax with Seasonal Beverages
Mark Wallace
a young woman holding a steaming mug with winter gloves

The weather may be keeping you indoors, so curl up and relax by enjoying traditional refreshments like tea, cocoa, chai, coffee, or cider. These cold-weather favorites are a tasty way to get some additional health benefits, too. Start sipping!

Warming Beverages

  • Apple Cider

    Tastes similar to apple juice, but with a more tart, robust, and concentrated flavor. Add spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves and heat for a true autumn treat.

    Benefits

    • retains many of the benefits of whole, fresh apples—including antioxidants
    • may protect arteries from harmful buildups of plaque
    • daily consumption can reduce heart disease risk

  • Chai Tea

    This Indian favorite is spicy, creamy, and sweet. Made from black tea, heated milk, and a combination of spices that can include cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, ginger, and nutmeg.

    Benefits

    • black tea is linked to heart and bone health
    • black tea may reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol
    • black tea can help the body recover from stress

  • Cocoa

    Also known as hot chocolate, this childhood favorite is rich, sweet, and chocolaty. Typically made with milk. For a dairy-free version, use water.

    Benefits

    • cocoa consumption is associated with reduced cognitive decline in old age
    • cocoa possesses disease-fighting properties
    • cocoa may reduce risk of heart attack, stroke, and high blood pressure

  • Coffee

    This popular morning pick-me-up can range from mild to bitter in taste. Some enjoy it black; others add cream, milk, or sweetener. Flavored coffees are a tasty option.

    Benefits

    • contains antioxidants and minerals that have been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism, making it helpful against diabetes
    • may help relieve a headache and enhance mood
    • a compound found in coffee may help fight tooth decay
    • drinking anywhere from a half cup of brewed coffee (regular or decaf) to three cups daily is associated with a 21% reduced risk of stroke compared to drinking no coffee

  • Green Tea

    Bright and refreshing in flavor. Depending on variety, can range from mild to acidic and astringent.

    Benefits

    • contains epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a powerful antioxidant shown to have antiviral effects that can protect against flu and upper respiratory tract infections
    • reduces heart disease risk and lowers cholesterol
    • helps control blood sugar
    • may aid in weight loss (drinking several cups daily)
    • contains polyphenols, which may protect the brain against dementia and Alzheimer’s disease
Sources

“Cocoa flavanol consumption improves cognitive function, blood pressure control, and metabolic profile in elderly subjects . . .” by D. Mastroiacovo et al., American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 3/15

"Effect of cocoa on blood pressure," Cochrane Database Systematic Reviews, 4/17

"Light to moderate coffee consumption is associated with lower risk of death . . ." by J. Simon et al., European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, 1/20/22

"Mechanisms of body weight reduction and metabolic syndrome alleviation by tea" by C.S. Yang et al., Molecular Nutrition & Food Research, 1/16

"Preventive effects of tea and tea catechins against influenza and acute upper respiratory tract infections . . ." by M. Umeda et al., European Journal of Nutrition, 2021

You might also like...

Contributor
Lisa Fabian
Tags
drinks
tea
green tea
coffee
apple cider
autumn / fall
winter
cocoa
cognition
blood pressure
cholesterol
blood sugar
stroke

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Watch this space!

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