Partridge In Cider With Apples Celery Food

BETTER THAN CELERY JUICE

Steps:

• Purée apples, parsley, 5 celery stalks, and 3 cups water in batches in a blender. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a pitcher, gently pressing with a spoon to extract as much liquid as possible (alternatively, run apples, parsley, and celery through a juicer and mix with 3 cups water). Stir in vinegar, salt, and ¼ tsp. pepper and add more celery stalks.
• To serve, pour 4 oz. juice into an ice-filled glass and sprinkle with pepper.

CELERY ROOT AND APPLE PUREE

Steps:

• Melt the butter over medium heat in a shallow pot or large saute pan. Add the fennel, celery root, potatoes, apples, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Saute the vegetables, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften, about 4 to 5 minutes. Add the cider and tightly cover the pot. Simmer over low heat (I pull the pot halfway off the heat) for 30 to 40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are very soft. If the vegetables begin to burn or they seem dry, add another few tablespoons of apple cider or some water.
• When the vegetables are cooked, add the cream and cook for 1 more minute. Transfer the mixture to a food mill fitted with the coarsest blade and process. (You can also use a food processor but the texture will be smoother than with the food mill.) Taste for salt and pepper and return to the pot to keep warm. Serve warm.

APPLE-CELERY SALAD

Steps:

• Toss celery and apples with lemon juice. In another bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider, vinegar, oil, mustard and sugar. Pour over celery mixture; toss to coat. Refrigerate, covered, 1 hour. Stir before serving.

BRAISED RED CABBAGE WITH CIDER & APPLES

Steps:

• Peel off the outer leaves from the cabbage and discard. Quarter the cabbage, removing the tough stem, then thinly slice. Arrange a layer of the cabbage on the bottom of a large saucepan, followed by some of the onions, apples, zest, mixed spice, sugar and seasoning. Continue to create layers until you have used up the ingredients.
• Pour over the vinegar and cider and dot the butter on top. Bring to the boil then simmer with a lid on over low heat for 1½ hrs, until tender. The cabbage will keep for 2 days, covered, in the fridge or freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat in either a pan or in the microwave.