Slow Cooker Root Vegetables With Apple Cider Glaze Food

SLOW-COOKER GLAZED ROOT VEGETABLES

Steps:

• Spray 5- to 6-quart slow cooker with cooking spray. In slow cooker, mix carrots, parsnips and onions. Top with sweet potatoes.
• In small bowl, mix honey, oil, 2 teaspoons of the thyme, the salt and pepper. Pour over vegetables; stir to coat.
• Cover; cook on Low heat setting 4 to 5 hours or until vegetables are tender. Just before serving, add vinegar; stir gently. Sprinkle with the remaining 3 teaspoons thyme.

SHORTCUT SLOW-COOKER APPLE CIDER

Steps:

• Thoroughly wash and dry the apples. Cut each apple into 8 wedges (skins, seeds and stems included) and transfer to a 7-quart slow cooker. Add the cloves, cinnamon sticks and 12 cups water. Cook on high, covered, for 4 hours.
• Remove the lid and carefully crush the apples with a potato masher. Cover again and cook on high for another 2 hours.
• Set a large, fine-mesh strainer over a large stockpot. In batches, ladle the apple mixture into the strainer and use the back of the ladle to press down on the apple pulp to extract the liquid. Discard the pulp. Stir in 1/2 cup of the brown sugar until completely dissolved. Taste and add additional sugar if needed.
• Serve the apple cider hot or allow it to cool fully, then serve it chilled over ice.

ROASTED WINTER ROOT VEGETABLES WITH APPLE CIDER

Steps:

• Combine the apple cider and wine in a heavy saucepan and reduce to 3/4 cup. This will take about 30 minutes.
• Whisk in the butter until smooth.
• Preheat oven to 425°F.
• Peel all the vegetables and cut in to 1/2 inch pieces.
• Use the largest roast pan you own (or use two roasting pans and divide the vegetables). Pour the prepared apple cider/wine mixture over the vegetables. Stir to coat.
• Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
• Roast the vegetables until they are tender and golden, stirring occasionally and cook approximately 40 minutes.