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Spiked Apple Cider

This hot spiked apple cider recipe hits all the cozy notes! Rum or bourbon perfectly complement the cinnamon, cloves, and star anise.

Spiked Apple Cider

There’s nothing better than a warm drink in hand when the weather is chilly. Here’s a classic that’s required for fall, in our opinion: Hot Spiked Apple Cider! There’s something about the combination of sweet cinnamon and cloves with the subtle spicy finish of rum or bourbon that’s absolutely soul warming. The liquor melds seamlessly into the hot cider, making a smooth sip and a cozy finish. This recipe has just the right balance of spices with alcohol: and a side benefit: it makes your kitchen smell like a fall candle.

What’s in this spiked apple cider recipe?

Apple cider is a drink that’s been around for thousands of years, dating back to the Romans in 55 BC! This spiked apple cider recipe is simmered with mulling spices, then combined with bourbon or rum for a tasty finish. Here are the ingredients you’ll need:

  • High-quality apple cider, preferably from your farmers market or local orchard. Look for unfiltered cider, which maintains the best flavor and color. If you’re in a time crunch and want to make your life super easy, you can always buy a pre-spiced apple cider and add rum to that.
  • Whole spices: cinnamon, cloves, and star anise. Make sure to use the whole versions of these spices, not ground, which is key to getting the best flavor. Star anise is the most unique of these spices to the American kitchen: it should be available at most grocery stores or you can buy star anise online.
Apple cider spices

How to make spiced apple cider: basic method

Making this hot spiked apple cider recipe is incredibly easy: all you need is time! Here are the basic steps:

  • Toast the spices: Toast the spices for a few minutes on the stovetop. This releases their fragrance (and makes your kitchen smell amazing).
  • Simmer: Add the apple cider and heat until warmed through, about 30 minutes. You can also use a slow cooker or Instant Pot: see below.
  • Filter: You’ll notice that particulate rises to the top of the cider while it’s cooking. Use a fine mesh strainer or sieve to strain it off (or you can pour it through a strainer into another pot).
  • Spike it: Add the rum or bourbon all at once, or add about 2 ounces to each 1 cup serving. Spiking each drink separately lets you serve both non-alcoholic hot cider and spiked cider at the same time!
Spiked Cider

Serving spiked apple cider for a party

Here are a few tips if you plan on serving this warming drink at a party!

  • Double or triple it: You’ll need to use a larger pot to accommodate.
  • Consider Crockpot or Instant Pot: Using a slow cooker to keep the spiked cider warm is great for parties. Head to our Slow Cooker Apple Cider.
  • Spike the drinks individually: When you’re serving a crowd, it’s nice to have the flexibility to spike the cider for each person individually. Then the drink works for both kids and adults.

Use bourbon or rum

What’s the best alcohol to use for a spiked apple cider recipe? Rum or bourbon are the best choices. Any type of rum works: white rum, aged rum, or dark rum (aged or dark will add more flavor complexity with vanilla and oak notes). Any type of bourbon works as well! The rum melds more seamlessly into the flavor of cider, making it our top choice. Bourbon is a close second, and has a slightly more prominent flavor on the finish.

Hot Spiked Apple Cider Recipe

More cozy drinks

Outside of this spiked apple cider recipe, there are so many winter drinks and hot cocktails to try! Try these cozy options:

This hot spiked apple cider recipe is…

Vegetarian, gluten-free, plant-based, dairy-free, and vegan.

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Spiked Apple Cider

Spiked Apple Cider

  • Author: A Couple Cooks
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 8 drinks
  • Diet: Vegan
Print Recipe

Description

This hot spiked apple cider recipe hits all the cozy notes! Rum or bourbon perfectly complement the cinnamon, cloves, and star anise.

Ingredients

  • ½ teaspoon cloves
  • 3 star anise
  • 4 cinnamon sticks
  • 8 cups apple cider
  • 1 cup rum (of any kind) or bourbon
  • For the garnish: star anise, cinnamon stick, orange slice

Instructions

  1. Toast the spices: Add the spices to the bottom of a pot*. Toast over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fragrant.
  2. Simmer: Turn the heat to low. Pour in the apple cider and bring to below a simmer, just barely bubbling. Set a timer for 30 minutes and reduce to low heat (don’t let it simmer).
  3. Filter: Skim off any particulate that rises to the top of the pot using a fine mesh sieve or strainer (or you can pour it through a strainer into another pot). 
  4. Serve: Pour in the rum or bourbon (or add 2 ounces to each 1 cup serving). Ladle into 8 mugs. If desired, garnish with star anise, cinnamon stick, or an orange slice.

Notes

*Or, go to Crockpot Apple Cider for slow cooker or Instant Pot instructions. Make the cider, then add the rum or bourbon before serving. 

  • Category: Drinks
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: Spiked apple cider, spiked apple cider recipe, spiked cider, spiked hot apple cider

A Couple Cooks - Recipes worth repeating.



from A Couple Cooks https://ift.tt/3j1tzkc
- October 14, 2021
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Classic Chili Cheese Fries

Chili cheese fries are always a hit! Make a batch of baked fries and top with a simple chili, cheese sauce, and toppings.

Chili Cheese Fries

When it comes to fries, there’s nothing more epic than a platter of Chili Cheese Fries! Imagine: that combination of deliciously hearty chili, crispy potatoes, and gooey cheese sauce is comfort food at its finest. Why settle for a plate of fries when you can add chili? This spin on the traditionally heavy dish is fresher than most, featuring a black bean chili and a lighter (but just as tasty) cheese sauce. In fact, this genius way to repurpose chili can even count as dinner!

Elements in these chili cheese fries

Chili cheese fries have three essential elements: French fries, chili, and cheese: either melted or incorporated as a sauce. This way of serving fries is very popular in the US, and originated in the 1950’s with the invention of prepared cheese products. Here are the elements you’ll need:

  • Fries: make these Homemade Baked Fries
  • Chili: try Black Bean Chili, Quick Chili or any of your favorite chili recipes
  • Cheese: make the simple cheese sauce below with whole milk and cheddar cheese
  • Toppings: top with pico de gallo, sour cream, and thinly sliced green onion
Chili Cheese Fries

Time saving tips!

The elements above are listed in the order we like to make chili cheese fries. Get the baked fries started by cutting them and soaking the fries, then get the chili simmering, and make the sauce just before serving. Here are a few quick tips that can save more time when you’re prepping:

  • Make the chili in advance, or use leftover chili. This is the perfect way to repurpose leftover chili! Just spoon it over the fries with a slotted spoon to minimize sogginess.
  • Use baked store-bought fries. There are some great brands of fries on the market that are more whole food spins on this usually processed product. Find a brand with minimal ingredients, then bake them up for quick assembly.
Chili Cheese Fries

Making the easy cheese sauce

The genius part of this chili cheese fries recipe? The easy cheese sauce! Most cheese sauces require you to make a roux by heat flour and butter together first to give the sauce a thick body. But we’ve created an even easier spin that requires two main ingredients: milk and cheese!

  • This 2-ingredient sauce has a slightly lighter texture than most. It’s not as thick because it doesn’t use flour. This also makes it gluten-free!
  • Use whole milk. This makes for the richest, creamiest body.

Chili cheese fries…for dinner!

These chili cheese fries taste decadent: but they’re actually lighter than most recipes. In fact, you can get away with calling them dinner. Here’s why:

  • The fries are just potatoes and olive oil. This is part of a healthy diet!
  • The chili is vegetarian and made of mostly vegetables. Black beans, corn, quinoa, tomatoes, onions: all healthy, good-for-you ingredients! You can choose a meaty chili if you like, which will make this recipe heavier and more caloric.
  • The cheese sauce is minimal. Many cheese sauces pack in loads of cheese. This recipe has just enough. If you’d like to go even more minimal, simply sprinkle with a few handfuls of cheddar cheese and pop it in the broiler to melt the cheese.
Chili Cheese Fries

Variations: meaty, vegan and more

Want to mix up these chili cheese fries? Here are a few ideas for different variations on the theme:

More fries recipes

We love fries over here: and there are lots of ways to make them that are a healthy spin! Here are a few more fries recipes to try:

Print
Chili Cheese Fries

Classic Chili Cheese Fries

  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 4 to 6
  • Diet: Vegetarian
Print Recipe

Description

Chili cheese fries are always a hit! Make a batch of baked fries and top with a simple chili, cheese sauce, and toppings.

Ingredients

  • 1 recipe Baked French Fries
  • 2 cups Black Bean Chili, Quick Chili (with ground beef or plant-based crumbles), or other favorite chili recipe*
  • ¼ cup whole milk (or substitute 2%)
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 green onion
  • Pico de gallo, for serving
  • Sour cream, for serving
  • Hot sauce, for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Make the Baked French Fries, following that recipe. (You also can use frozen fries and skip this step.) While the fries soak, go to Step 2.
  2. Start the Black Bean Chili or Quick Chili, or use leftovers of your favorite chili recipe. Allow it to simmer while baking the fries. 
  3. Directly before serving, make the cheese sauce: In a small saucepan, heat the whole milk and the salt over medium heat. Once hot, add the shredded cheese a little bit at a time, stirring and melting before adding more cheese until all is incorporated (this should take about 3 minutes total).
  4. To serve, place the fries on a platter. Scoop out 2 cups of chili with a slotted spoon and add them over the top. Top with the warm cheese sauce, green onion, pico de gallo and sour cream. Serve immediately. 

Notes

For vegan, use Vegan Chili and Vegan Nacho Cheese.

  • Category: Appetizer or Main Dish
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: Chili cheese fries

A Couple Cooks - Recipes worth repeating.



from A Couple Cooks https://ift.tt/3ACxlGF
- October 13, 2021
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Perfect Pumpkin Cake

This classic pumpkin cake recipe is moist and perfectly spiced! Top with cream cheese frosting for an irresistible treat.

Pumpkin Cake

Here’s a recipe that’s just right for the season: this classic Pumpkin Cake recipe! It’s everything you want a pumpkin cake to be: thick and moist, scented with cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg. The best part? A layer of tangy, fluffy cream cheese frosting is its ideal flavor match. It’s so classic and irresistible, you’ll want to make it for every gathering. It’s great for fall dinner parties, Halloween, Thanksgiving, or really anytime you’re craving pumpkin goodness! Let’s get to it.

Ingredients in this pumpkin cake recipe

This pumpkin cake recipe is exactly what we look for in this type of cake: beautifully moist and just sweet enough. It’s scented with just the right amount of pumpkin spices, and it’s not too rich. The recipe came about when we asked our 4 year old what else we should make with pumpkin and he said without missing a beat, “Pumpkin cake!” The cake base is similar to our Pumpkin Spice Muffins, and we created a new frosting recipe for the top. Here are the ingredients in this pumpkin cake:

  • All-purpose flour
  • Pumpkin pie spice
  • Baking soda, baking powder, and salt
  • Dark brown sugar and granulated sugar
  • Pumpkin puree
  • Eggs
  • Neutral oil
  • Unsweetened applesauce

The applesauce in combination with the pumpkin helps to make the cake incredibly moist without adding loads of oil or butter. The result is a just sweet enough, just rich enough cake!

Pumpkin Cake

For the topping: a lighter cream cheese frosting!

This pumpkin cake recipe is at its best with that classic topping: cream cheese frosting! Something about the tangy, creamy texture makes magic with the fluffy cake below. For this pumpkin cake, we created a lighter version of cream cheese frosting. Here’s what to know about it:

  • This frosting has half the butter of a traditional cream cheese frosting recipe. This means it’s a little bit softer of a texture than the standard, but just as delicious!
  • This frosting has less sugar than the standard cream cheese frosting. This also gives it a looser texture. Because of this we’d recommend using it for applications like a sheet cake, but not for piping cupcakes.

Alternate topping: powdered sugar!

The easiest way to top a pumpkin cake recipe? Douse it with powered sugar! This makes it a much lower calorie option, and it’s easier because you don’t have to mix up the frosting. It’s still delicious, but for top deliciousness we’d recommend making the cream cheese frosting.

Pumpkin Cake recipe

Let the cake cool completely before frosting

As with any cake, let this pumpkin cake cool completely before frosting it! If you’re impatient like we are, here’s how to cool a cake quickly:

  • Cool the cake at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
  • Refrigerate until it’s room temperature, about 15 more minutes.

Pumpkin cake storage & make ahead instructions

Want to make this pumpkin cake ahead? Or want to save leftovers? Here’s what to know about storage:

  • Cake lasts 3 to 4 days refrigerated. It holds up well! Just bring to room temperature before serving: this is the best way to taste all the flavors.
  • You can freeze the cake for up to 3 months. Bake it and let it cool completely, then tightly wrap the unfrosted cake before freezing. Let it come to room temperature before frosting it!
Pumpkin Cake

More pumpkin recipes

When it’s pumpkin season, there’s nothing we crave more! Here are a few more desserts, breakfasts, snacks and drinks that make ideal pumpkin recipes:

Print
Pumpkin cake

Pumpkin Cake

  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 12 to 16
  • Diet: Vegetarian
Print Recipe

Description

This classic pumpkin cake recipe is moist and perfectly spiced! Top with cream cheese frosting for an irresistible treat.

Ingredients

For the pumpkin cake

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ tablespoons pumpkin pie spice (purchased or homemade)
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¾ cup dark brown sugar
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 2 large eggs
  • ⅓ cup neutral oil
  • ½ cup unsweetened applesauce

For the cream cheese frosting (optional)

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
  • 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a 9 x 13″ or equivalent baking dish.
  2. In a large bowl, stir together the flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda, baking powder and kosher salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, pumpkin puree, eggs, oil and applesauce. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until combined. Pour into the prepared pan and use a spatula to smooth into an even layer. 
  3. Bake 25 to 30 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool until for 30 minutes, then refrigerate about 15 minutes until it comes to room temperature. (Or allow to cool and refrigerate it, then frost before serving.) If desired, dust with powdered sugar before serving or proceed to the cream cheese frosting (recommended). 
  4. Meanwhile, make the cream cheese frosting: Beat the room temperature butter and cream cheese with a mixer on medium speed for 2 to 3 minutes until completely smooth. Reduce the speed to low, then add the vanilla. Slowly sift in the powdered sugar until thickened. Refrigerate the icing until frosting the cake.
  5. Spread the frosting on top of the cake to the desired thickness (you can use the entire batch or less if desired). Stores refrigerated for up to 3 to 4 days; bring to room temperature before serving. Freeze the completely cooled unfrosted cake tightly wrapped for up to 3 months.
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: Pumpkin cake, pumpkin cake recipe

A Couple Cooks - Recipes worth repeating.



from A Couple Cooks https://ift.tt/3oVrda8
- October 12, 2021
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Cultural and Environmental Impact, Health, Diversity Drive Fancy Food 24/7 Trends

Sustainability awareness, climate change’s impact on the food supply chain, and COVID's continuing influence on cooking habits and functional-food interest are the overarching themes of continuing food and beverage trends at the Specialty Food Association’s Fancy Food 24/7 digital event, said members of the SFA Trendspotter panel. 

In Trends from Fancy Food 24/7, a session held last week, two representatives from the panel outlined trends they found during the two-week event, which ran from Sept. 27 - Oct. 8. The participating Trendspotters were Leticia Moreinos Schwartz, chef, food writer, and cookbook author, and Kantha Shelke, Ph.D., who teaches food safety regulations at Johns Hopkins University, and is a principal at Corvus Blue LLC, a food science and research firm.

“Consumers are becoming increasingly mindful of how they eat, what they eat, where it comes from, and who makes it and how,” said Shelke. “All of this is going to drive change in the industry.” 

Here are some of the trends they discussed:

Values-based shopping. Consumers are supporting environmental and social issues with their food dollars. In addition to an increase in women-, Black-, and LGBTQ-owned brands at Fancy Food 24/7, sustainability and community impact are becoming more important to consumers and investors. But it’s not enough to just say the brand is sustainable. “Companies need to show that they're giving back to a community not just exploring and extracting and leaving a region devastated,” said Schwartz. 

“It’s about who made it and, if you buy it, who it is you’re going to help,” agreed Shelke. 

Plant-based products. “It’s not new but it’s stronger and stronger and expanding into plant-based chicken and seafood," said Schwartz, who expects plant-based alternatives to continue to gain favor as climate change impacts the supply chain.  

Functional foods. Trending: growing interest in immune-system health, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatories, at least in part driven by the global pandemic, as well as anti-aging foods with functional benefits. “We’re seeing an intersection of food and cosmetics and neutraceuticals,” said Schwartz, who noted products like essential oils to use on the face. Other functional ingredients spotted at the event included turmeric, found in several categories including immunity-supporting energy shots, ginger and turmeric syrups to add to beverages, adaptogens, and antioxidant-rich butterfly pea flower extract.

Spices and seasonings. “The pandemic was a reset button for many as we went from cooking to fatigue with cooking,” said Shelke. She said we’ll be seeing more cooking aids like seasonings and spices and other items that help fight menu boredom and add convenience. The Trendspotters noted products like turmeric saffron salt for paella and Szechuan peppers as examples. Ingredients prevalent in other cultures like turmeric and ginger also tie diversity and heritage into their stories, Shelke noted. 

She added that cooking ingredient categories are fitting food gift options for the upcoming holidays to offer a present beyond a taste experience. “You’ll know when you use it that someone else in another part of the world is saying thanks to you for helping them share what they made. This season it’s not about dazzling, it’s about helping others.”

Go here for recording of the session.

Related: Amazon Adds Sustainable Certifications; Plant-Based Meat, Dairy Drive Category



from Food Trends https://ift.tt/3AFQIic
- October 12, 2021
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