Homemade Apple Cider

I have really been wanting some apple cider lately. Not the kind in the packets but real apple cider. Growing up in French Camp, I had a neighbor who made the BEST apple cider. I have always wanted to learn how to make it but I just can't bring myself to spend the money on the pre-made jugs in the store. There are just other things we need. Then I thought, "Why can't I make my own?" So I did some research and stumbled across this recipe. It is SO easy and it makes the entire apartment smell like cinammon and nutmeg. It takes about 3 hours, though, so make sure you try it on a day you will be home.

Homemade Apple Cider

8-10 apples - I only used 4 cuz that's what I had and I only feed 2 people.. I just lessened the water
1 orange
1/2 - 1 cup brown sugar
4 cinnamon sticks (ground cinnamon works too, I just guessed on how much to put)
1 - 2 tsp of nutmeg
1 T whole cloves
1 tsp all-spice(optional) - I didn't have this on hand
Water

Cut fruit into quarters (no need to peel or remove stem or seeds)
Place into a large stock pot (Thank you DAVE for giving me a stock pot) :)
Add sugar (start with less, you can always add more), cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and all spice.
Cover with water until the pot is almost full
Bring to a rapid boil and allow the mixture to boil for 1 hour
Reduce to simmer, cover, and allow it to simmer for 2 hours, stirring occasionally

Periodically, use a spoon or tongs to mash the apple and orange slices. After simmering, strain the cider into a pitcher. I have a wire strainer but you could also use a cheese cloth.

Serve hot and it keeps well in the fridge so you can reheat it later.

If you want clean apple cider, don't add the sugar. You can add a natural sweetner like Stevia later.

Source: gimmesomeoven.com

Italian Chkn

I haven't been cery creative lately, thus the lack of posts.

Italian Chkn

2 Chkn breasts
Italian dressing
Lemon Pepper

1. Marinate chkn breasts in lemon pepper and Italian dressing
2. Bake at 350 until no longer pink in the middle

I usually pair this with brown rice or fried pasta (see below)

Fried pasta

1. Prepare pasta according to package directions.
2. Place cooked pasta in a skillet with 1 T of Olive Oil
3. Sprinkle pasta with Garlic Salt, Pepper, and a couple of drops of Crab Boil (this is great flavor, but spicy too so don't use too much)

I mentioned in an earlier post about how I decided to try buying my veggies fresh and freezing them myself. So far it has been a success! I can a zucchini and a squash for less than $1 together. I chop them up and place them in a freezer bag. Push all of the air out of the bag. When I am ready to use them, I sautee them in a skillet with a little bit of garlic salt.