APPLE RAISIN CHUTNEY

Whip up a batch of this Apple Raisin Chutney—it’s the perfect companion to meat dishes or a delightful appetizer when paired with goat cheese, crackers, figs, and nuts!

INGREDIENTS 

  • 1.5 lb. Honeycrisp or Pink Lady apples, peeled and finely chopped (about 4 medium apples)
  • ⅔ cup sugar
  • ¼ cup packed light brown sugar
  • ⅓ cup apple cider vinegar
  • ¼ cup red wine vinegar
  • 1 cup raisins
  • ⅓ cup finely chopped fresh ginger
  • 2 ½ Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tsp. paprika powder
  • ¾ tsp. freshly grated nutmeg
  • ¾ tsp. kosher salt
  • ½ tsp. ground cloves
  • ¼ tsp. allspice
  • ½ tsp. ground black pepper
  • 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 sticks cinnamon

Pairings

  • Pistachios
  • Crackers
  • Goat cheese
  • Dates

INSTRUCTIONS

  • In a large (3 or 4-quart) saucepan, combine all the ingredients.
  • Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low to simmer.
  • Stir occasionally and let the chutney cook for about 2 hours, until it thickens and reduces (it’s worth the wait!).
  • Serve warm alongside your favorite cooked meats, such as pork or chicken, or enjoy it cold with tangy goat or sheep cheese, crackers, dates, and nuts.

NOTES

  • Honeycrisp or Pink Lady apples work best due to their balanced sweet-tart flavor.
  • Be sure to stir the chutney occasionally to avoid burning and to help it cook evenly.
  • For a smoother texture, blend the chutney after cooking if preferred.
  • The chutney will continue to thicken as it cools.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. It improves in flavor after a day or two!
  • This chutney makes a lovely homemade gift when packaged in a jar with a ribbon.

THE BEST BROCCOLI SALAD

Broccoli Salad is one of my all-time favorite salad recipes. It combines fresh broccoli, crispy smoked bacon, sweet red onion, and crunchy sliced almonds, all tossed in a slightly sweet, creamy mayo dressing. It’s always a crowd-pleaser and one of the first dishes to disappear at potlucks, family gatherings, BBQs, and parties.

You’ll love the satisfying crunch of this salad paired with the smooth, flavorful dressing. It’s quick and easy to prepare, especially if you use pre-cooked bacon or cook it ahead of time. This versatile side dish pairs wonderfully with pork tenderloin, buffalo chicken, or country-style ribs.

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 ½ tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 ⅓ lbs broccoli florets, finely chopped into bite-sized pieces
  • 8 slices crispy cooked bacon, chopped
  • ⅓ cup chopped red onion
  • ½ cup sweetened dried cranberries
  • ⅓ cup sliced almonds

INSTRUCTIONS

  • In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sugar, apple cider vinegar, and black pepper.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the broccoli, bacon, red onion, dried cranberries, and almonds. Pour the dressing over the mixture and toss to coat evenly.
  • Cover and refrigerate for 1-2 hours before serving. Toss again just before serving for best results.

NOTES

  • For the best flavor, allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for several hours before serving.
  • This recipe uses raw broccoli for its crunch, convenience, and nutritional benefits. However, if you prefer a more tender texture, blanch the broccoli by boiling it for 1-2 minutes, then rinsing it with cold water to halt cooking. Pat dry with paper towels before using.
  • While broccoli stems are edible, this recipe works best with florets. Be sure to chop them into bite-sized pieces.

NUTRITION

  • Calories: 283 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Polyunsaturated Fat: 13 g
  • Monounsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.1 g
  • Cholesterol: 13 mg
  • Sodium: 205 mg
  • Potassium: 291 mg
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Vitamin A: 490 IU
  • Vitamin C: 68 mg
  • Calcium: 51 mg
  • Iron: 1 mg