Imagine a chilly autumn evening, the air crisp with the scent of fallen leaves, and the warmth of a cozy home beckoning you inside. What better way to embrace the season than with a steaming mug of homemade Pressure Cooker Apple Cider? This delightful beverage is not only a nostalgic nod to childhood memories of apple picking and hayrides but also a quick and easy recipe that transforms fresh apples and spices into a fragrant, heartwarming drink in just 40 minutes! Whether you're hosting a festive gathering or simply indulging in a quiet night in, this apple cider is sure to impress and warm your soul. Ready to discover how to create this delicious concoction? Let’s dive into the recipe!
Ingredients
- 10 apples, quartered
- 1 orange, quartered
- 1 tablespoon whole cloves
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon sticks
- 1 cup brown sugar
- Water, to cover
Instructions
- Wash and quarter the apples, ensuring to remove any stems or damaged parts. Leave the skin on for additional flavor and nutrients.
- Quarter the orange, keeping the peel intact to enhance the citrusy notes in the cider.
- Place the quartered apples and orange into the pressure cooker, spreading them evenly across the bottom.
- Add whole cloves and cinnamon sticks directly into the pressure cooker, distributing them throughout the fruit.
- Sprinkle brown sugar over the fruit, allowing it to settle between the apple and orange pieces.
- Carefully pour water into the pressure cooker, ensuring the fruit is just covered but not completely submerged.
- Secure the pressure cooker lid, ensuring it's properly sealed and locked into place.
- Set the pressure cooker to high pressure and cook for 30 minutes, allowing the fruits to break down and release their flavors.
- Once cooking is complete, allow natural pressure release for 10-15 minutes.
- Carefully open the lid, using a potato masher to gently press the cooked fruit and release additional juices.
- Place a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth over a large bowl and strain the liquid, pressing to extract maximum flavor.
- Discard the solids and transfer the cider to serving mugs or a serving pitcher.
- Serve warm, optionally garnishing with a cinnamon stick or fresh apple slice.
Tips
- Choose the Right Apples: For the best flavor, use a mix of sweet and tart apples. Varieties like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, and Fuji work wonderfully together to create a balanced cider.
- Enhance the Flavor: Feel free to experiment with additional spices such as star anise or nutmeg for an extra layer of warmth and complexity.
- Don’t Skimp on the Sugar: The brown sugar not only sweetens the cider but also adds a rich, caramel-like flavor. Adjust the amount to suit your taste, but don’t be afraid to indulge!
- Natural Pressure Release: Allowing the pressure to release naturally for 10-15 minutes helps to enhance the flavors and ensures a smoother cider.
- Strain Well: Use a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth to ensure your cider is smooth and free of pulp. Pressing the solids will help extract every last bit of deliciousness.
- Serve with Style: Garnish your cider with a cinnamon stick or a fresh apple slice for a beautiful presentation that will impress your guests.
- Store Leftovers: If you have any cider left, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
