There are formal Christmas dinner settings and there are casual Christmas gatherings, too. When it goes down to
unfussy food preparations, a platter of nacho or vegetable sticks with a tasty dip keeps up to the relaxed, intimate
reunion of family and friends.
Check your Christmas recipes and see what dips and sauces are included, because
what probably comes close to the spirit of Christmas as far as dips and sauces are concerned is one made
uniquely from apples. Mind you, these are not your usual apple sauces.
Apple and Mint Sauce
To make 2 cups and serve six, you need:
* 6 large apples, granny smith variety; peeled, cored, coarsely chopped
* 1 1/2 tablespoons caster sugar and 2/3 cup sweet white wine
* 2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh mint
In a medium saucepan, combine the chopped apples, white wine and sugar and cook over low heat stirring
constantly until sugar dissolves.
Slowly increase heat to medium-high and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and
cook further, covered, stirring occasionally, until apples are heated through and soft. Set aside to cool slightly at
room temperature.
Blend the apple mixture in a food processor until pureed. Transfer to a serving bowl then add
mint and combine well. Serve as an accompaniment to roast pork meat.
Green Apple Sauce
To make 1 1/2 cups, you need:
* 500 grams apples, granny smith variety; peeled, cored and diced
* 10 grams melted butter
* 2 tablespoons caster sugar
* 1 tablespoon lemon juice and a pinch of mixed spice
Boil apples using 1/3 cup cold water over medium heat. Let it simmer and cover for 10 minutes. As soon as
apples are soft, stir in the melted butter, sugar, juice, and mixed spice. Remove from heat, set aside to cool and
blend apple mixture in a food processor until smooth. Green apple sauce goes well with roast pork, chicken or
turkey.
An apple sauce Christmas recipe is always a delight. Aside from quick and easy preparation time, trust an apple
sauce to do magic to your usual roast pork, turkey, or chicken.
In an array of roasts and baked stuff we need
something that teases our palate this season -- makes for a well-remembered Christmas dinner. Mint or lemon
and some spice, our choice sauce’s wonderful zesty, fruity flavor is like a dainty trimming to a Christmas tree –
something to charm our holidays.
