Our Homestead Journey

Broccoli Salad with Bacon

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Making a Broccoli Salad for a Holiday, potluck, or family gathering is one of my favorite salads to make. You can create a homemade dressing to go along with it and it can all be done within 15 minutes. The best part though is I can make it the day before. There are so many meals that can be made the day before, but they are not always better. In this case, I find this broccoli salad tastes better after it has been sitting in the refrigerator with the dressing for a day. Music to my ears!

I know that a broccoli salad is not the norm on this post, like many apple recipes you see or other sweets you may see published soon as I begin to write more posts, however, hang out with me for a moment as this broccoli salad is truly delicious. Bringing this item to a Holiday dinner, is your perfect opportunity to try it out because it can’t go wrong, and you can make it ahead of time. Who doesn’t love a quick side dish that can be thrown together whether you are in a busy season, just forgot to pull something together, or prefer to spend more time on other items? As I have made this in the winter, it can definitely be a perfect summer dish as well.

What ingredients go into this salad?

This is whatever you like best. With that said, I have found broccoli, bacon, cranberries, red grapes, sharp cheddar cheese, and a dressing are the perfect combination for this broccoli salad. A red onion, and sesame seeds can be a beautiful addition as well. The next time I make this I will probably omit the cranberries and add in just a bit of red onion and sprinkle a few sesame seeds to my broccoli salad.

How to store the Broccoli Salad?

Storing the broccoli salad in a tightly closed tupperware dish or a bowl with plastic wrap over the container. I have found that storing it for up to two-three days is best fresh and just gets better with time, however I would recommend consuming the broccoli salad within 5-7 days.

Can I freeze the Broccoli salad?

I would not recommend freezing the broccoli salad with or without the dressing. You will not get the same tastes of freshness. Broccoli salad is best consumed within 5-7 days from making it and storing it in the refrigerator.

Questions about cheese?

I prefer to use sharp cheese in my broccoli salad. I find I prefer the taste and I believe you can use less cheese if buying sharp versus the regular cheddar cheese. If you have the time and you are ambitious buy a block of fresh sharp cheese and grate away. I am all about having something taste better, but there is something about grating cheese that I absolutely dislike. And since I have not found block cheese that is cheaper than my grated store cheese you won’t see me buying the block cheese anytime soon. Now, with that said, if it is in some dish where you want the cheese to melt, then occasionally you may see me grating cheese, but NOT often! 😉

Blanching my broccoli?

I do not blanch my broccoli and I find it tastes good. However, if you would like to blanch it first you are welcome to throw it in a pot of salted boiling water for no more than one minute. Immediately after you should rinse in cold water, so that the broccoli does not continue cooking. Next, dry your broccoli well before continuing to the next step of combining your ingredients.

Which broccoli should I purchase?

You can buy pre-cut florets, however it is typically cheaper to buy a couple of heads of broccoli. I have bought pre-cut florets before, and I still find myself chopping all the pieces smaller anyhow. So, in the end I don’t find that I save much time buying the more expensive bagged pre-cut florets. With that said, if you are going for saving money then buy the heads of broccoli and if you are trying to save a little time then purchase the pre-cut florets. Usually we want both, and if that’s the case I have to leave you with you deciding on which you prefer. I have no magic answer here.

Is Broccoli salad a healthy option?

Hmmmm… Well it is a salad yes, however healthy maybe not. With that said, there are ways you can make this broccoli salad more of a healthy option. Make sure when are using bacon you do not use the imitation bacon. I like to use the pre-cooked bacon from Sams club; however, you can always cook it yourself as well.

If you put in red grapes you can definitely omit the cranberries. Also, in the dressing you can replace the mayo for Greek yogurt. Making your own yogurt is very simple and can be completed with very little hands-on time. I will work on a recipe to write up soon. However, until I do that, please check out this Instant Pot Yogurt here. It’s a good one to check out.

Broccoli salad with bacon, cheddar cheese, cranberries, red grapes and dressing for a pot luck
Print Recipe

Broccoli Salad Recipe

A simple salad with bacon, cheese, grapes, and other simple add ins.
Prep Time15 minutes
Servings: 8
Author: Jennifer Gallagher

Ingredients

  • 5-6 cups broccoli florets
  • 3/4 cup sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/2 cup red grapes
  • 1/2 cup crumbled bacon

Dressing

  • 3/4 cup mayo
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 1/2 tbsp white wine vinegar (optional) apple cider vinegar, or red wine vinegar would also work

Instructions

  • Chop up your broccoli florets into bite size pieces ready to eat off of a fork.
  • Combine broccoli florets, sharp cheddar cheese, cranberries, red grapes, and bacon in a large bowl.
  • In a smaller bowl combine mayo, sour cream, sugar, salt, and white wine vinegar until well combined.
  • Pour dressing over broccoli combination and mix altogether well.
  • For best results place in the refrigerator for a minimum of an hour, but up to a day or two. When ready to serve toss the salad one last time. Enjoy!

Notes

*Bacon-you are welcome to cook approximately 8 slices and crumble. I prefer to use the bacon pieces that are sold at most grocery stores. Just make sure to purchase the kind that mentions it is real bacon. I love to buy a large bag at Sams club. 
*If you are looking for a little healthier option for your dressing you may consider substituting sour cream for greek yogurt. 

Check out some Apple Recipes below

easy apple pie filling

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Apple pie filling can be very simple. Think of a few ingredients that you love and mix it in with the sliced apples. If nutmeg, and cinnamon are your go to spices stir it up with some sugar, and lemon juice and you’re on your way to a great apple pie filling. I love cinnamon and sugar for my apple pie filling, so you will see these two ingredients in my recipe. With that said you can always replace or add nutmeg and any other spice that you love when making your filing for apple pie.

Apples in bowl used for apple pie fiilling

Recipe tips to a delicious apple pie filling

  • Peel the apples: Removing the peel helps the apples to become juicier and more tender while it bakes. If you do not remove the apple peel, then it can sometimes become tough.
  • Thickener: If you’re going to use cornstarch as a thickener don’t add it directly into the filling. First in a separate bowl mix the cornstarch with water well before adding into the filing to avoid clumps of cornstarch. This can be known as a cornstarch slurry.
  • Don’t overcook the apples on the stove: If you overcook the apples on the stovetop, then your apples will become too mushy.

How to make apple pie filling

  • First you will want to gather lots of apples. If you are making this for a pie you will want about 6-8 medium sized apples.
  • Next, wash all your apples you want to use.
  • Once your apples are washed and ready you can slice your apples many different ways. I like to use an apple slicer because it takes off the peel at the same time as cutting my apples. However, you can always cut the apples into pieces with a knife. If you do this make sure to cut the peel off first. Peeling the peel after it is cut into many slices can be very tricky and time consuming.
  • Your apples should now all be washed, cut and ready to go. Now comes the fun part. Place your apples into a pot. I will add sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice to my apple filling. The lemon juice is so that the apples don’t brown. Too much lemon juice will change the taste of the apple pie filling, so make sure not to poor too much. Check out the amounts in my recipe below.
  • Cook all the ingredients in a pot on the stovetop. Once you have done this if the apple filling doesn’t seem thick enough you can add a thickener. Also, if you plan to freeze your apple pie filling, then a thickener will be a good idea. This is because after it is frozen as it unfreezes it will get runny. However, a thickener will help it not get too runny.

Canning

If you are canning your apple pie filling, make sure to use a recipe that is safe. You can check out the National Center for Home Preservation for safe canning tips and recipes. This includes the USDA Complete Guide to Canning which helps prepare different types of food associated with canning, fermentation, and canning. USDA stands for United States Department of Agriculture, and you will notice it is currently maintained by staff at the National Center for Food Preservation. This is something that confused me when I first began looking into information on canning regarding rules and regulations.

How to store and reheat apple pie filling

There are many ways you can store and reheat an apple pie. Storing apple pie filling can be done in the refrigerator, freezing, or you may can the filling. More on refrigeration and freezing options below. Reheating apple pie filling can be accomplished in the oven or microwave.

Storing an apple pie on the counter

Storing an apple pie on the counter is best to be eaten within two days. Using foil or plastic wrap is best to keep the apple pie covered and sealed. If it is a store-bought pie and it is properly covered then leaving it on the counter through the sell by date would be okay.

Refrigerate Apple Pie

Once your pie has sat out on the counter for two days you should place it in the refrigerator. It should last a good couple more days. I like to place my pie in a sealed container if possible, however keeping plastic wrap or foil will work too. I try to make sure it is see through and that I can see the pie somewhere. If I cannot, the pie will probably get forgotten and will need to be thrown out later because it got old.

Can I freeze just the apple pie filling?

Yes, you can freeze only the apple pie filling. If you just want to freeze it then I recommend using a thickener. This could be corn starch, or clear gel or any kind of starch thickener. You should add about 1 cup of water to 1-2 tablespoons of flour to the apple pie mixture. Mix it first in a separate bowl to make sure all the clumps of corn starch have been mixed in. You may place the pie filling it in a pie pan (this will help freeze it in the shape that you would like for later) or any container for a few hours. Once the filling is relatively firm, then you will want to place it in a container that is freezer safe and sealed. You can keep it in the freezer for 2-4 months. It will be best if taken out cooked and consumed by then.

Freezing Apple Pie

Apple pie in my opinion is always best eaten fresh about 20 minutes out of the oven. The perfect temperature is not burning hot, but still warm to eat. However, if you made to much filling or decided you wanted to make the apple pie ahead of when you need it, then as long as it does not have custard, egg or a cream filling inside of the pie, freezing the apple pie in an airtight container is best. If it does have one of the fillings I just mentioned inside the pie, then you probably shouldn’t freeze it.

Freezing unbaked Apple pie

If you freeze an unbaked apple pie using clear gel it will typically help, make the pie less runny. You do not need to unfreeze the apple pie before placing it in the oven. Feel free to place the apple pie into the oven at the temperature requested by the pie crust you made or bought.

Reheat apple pie filling

If you are making an apple pie with the filling from the freezer or fridge you will want to finish making the apple pie and cook it altogether in the oven. If the pie has already been cooked and it has been in the fridge or a couple days or on the counter, then you can take a slice of apple pie, and heat it up in the microwave if you prefer a warm piece. It would also be fine to eat without heating it up if you prefer this method.

What can I use with the apple pie filling

  • apple pie
  • apple pie with crumble topping
  • apple pie turnovers
  • apple fritters

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More ways we love to use apples

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Print Recipe

Apple Pie Filling without a thickener

Apple pie filling ready to make a quick pie or dessert whenever you want.
Prep Time40 minutes
Author: Jennifer Gallagher

Ingredients

  • 12 cups Apples
  • 2 1/2 cups Sugar
  • 2 Tbsp Cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp Salt
  • 1/2 cup Lemon Juice
  • 3 3/4 cups Water

Instructions

  • First peel, core, and slice apples. I recommend using an apple slicer to slice, peel and core all your apples.
  • Combine and heat ingredients and bring to a simmer.
    2 1/2 cups Sugar, 2 Tbsp Cinnamon, 1/4 tsp Salt, 3 3/4 cups Water, 1/2 cup Lemon Juice
  • Next, add apples and stir altogether. Heat just until boiling. Turn off and remove from heat. When measuring your apples press down and fit as many apples as you can.
    12 cups Apples
  • Apple pie filling is ready to use or store. If you are making an apple pie place on top of apple pie crust (follow pie crust directions for heating).
  • Optional: If you would like to thicken up the apple pie filling you can combine cornstarch and water to make a slurry. You may go this route if you are using the filling immediately, placing in the fridge or freezer.

Homemade Applesauce

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This homemade apple sauce will make you wonder why you haven’t made applesauce before. It is so simple to make. This easy applesauce recipe is a staple in our home. Learn how to make this easy recipe. It’s a great side to go along a meal or just to have as a simple snack.

This healthy snack can last for several days in the refrigerator. It can also be stored in the freezer or it can be canned. Breakfast or a snack are great ways to eat this delicious applesauce.

canned homemade applesauce

Ways to Make Applesauce

There are many different ways to make applesauce. One can take out the core of the apple, cook the apples in a pot and smash them with an immersion blender or place them into another blender like the ninja. Another way is using an apple juicer. You will see in the recipe that I use a Victorio Steamer.

Should you peel apples for applesauce?

I like to make things as simple as possible. With my Victorio Steamer it take the apple peel off for me, so that I don’t need to think about this step. However, if you don’t have a victorio steamer you would need to weigh your options of wanting a smoother applesauce (needing to take off the peel), or if your okay with the peel (saving some time).

Should I add lemon juice to my applesauce?

The lemon juice helps to preserve some of the color in your applesauce. I don’t typically put lemon juice in my applesauce as I don’t notice a big change in color. The lemon juice can also help with some of the sweetness. This is really to what your preferences are in terms of the look and taste.

Key Ingredients

You can use just about any apples making applesauce similarly to my apple cider recipe.

How long will my applesauce last?

Apple sauce will last in an airtight container for several days in the refrigerator. Many people say for about a week, however I have kept my applesauce in the fridge for up to two weeks without any problems.

How can I store my applesauce?

There are a few ways you can store your applesauce.

  • Applesauce in Refrigerator
  • Store applesauce in freezer for 6 months to 1 year
  • Canning method

Applesauce Ingredients

  • Apples! Of course you will need a bunch of apples to begin your tasty treat. This is the only ingredient that is needed and the only one I use on a regular basis. From time to time I may use one of the following ingredients as well which can be a great addition to your applesauce.
    • Water-Adding water to your apples will help the apples to steam and soften as they cook. In addition, if you find your applesauce is more thick than you would like than you can always add some water.
    • Ground Cinnamon-Yum! Apples and cinnamon together is always delicious. Its warm cozy flavor is a great way to enjoy some applesauce. If you choose you can always add other wonderful ingredients in place of or in addition to ground cinnamon such as nutmeg and/or maple syrup.
    • Salt-Add a pinch of salt at the end. This is a great way to enhance your flavors.

How to make homemade applesauce?

You can find my homemade applesauce recipe below with amounts at the bottom of this post. However, here is a step by step overview of how to make it:

First get the Apple Steamer: Place the apple steamer pot on the stove, place water at the bottom and turn the stove on so the water begins to boil.

Second prepare the Apples: Wash the apples and place them in the Apple Steamer. You will want to boil the apples for at least 25 minutes. If the apples are not softened boil the apples for 5-10 minutes longer.

Third set up the Victorio Steamer: Make sure the Victorio Steamer is all set up at the table and then slice the apples into approximately 6-8 pieces depending on the size of the apple and push them down the slot of the Victorio Steamer press. You are welcome to cut the apples at this stage or you can cut them before you place them in the apple steamer.

Last Step: You’re Finished! You can enjoy some delicious warm applesauce or you could place it into the fridge for a couple hours to enjoy cold applesauce. This is the time you could also add salt, maple syrup and cinnamon or any other ingredient you wish.

Canning: Want to store Applesauce for a long time? This is the time to can!

Homemade applesauce
Print Recipe

Homemade Applesauce

This delicious homemade apple sauce is so easy and fun to make. It is definitely a wonderful way to eat a healthy snack. Make this apple sauce snack and you won't regret it.
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
20 minutes for Victorio Steamer20 minutes
Total Time50 minutes

Equipment

  • 1 Apple Steamer or Pot (optional)
  • 1 Victorio Steamer
  • 1 Pair of Tongs
  • 2 bowls

Ingredients

  • 12 lb. Apples
  • 1 lemon (optional)
  • 2 tsp. cinnamon, nutmeg, and/or maple syrup (optional)

Instructions

  • Cut the apples into 4-8 slices depending on the size of the apples
  • Place apples into pot with water and place the lid on for 25 minutes stirring occasionally
  • When apples are softened you may take them out and press them into the Victorio Steamer. This is where your applesauce is finally being made.
  • At this time you may add any spices or flavors into your applesauce if you wish. I keep it just the way it is, but it is an excellent time to pour in some sugar, or maple syrup, cinnamon, or whatever flavor you wish.

Check out other Apple Recipes

My Apple Cider Recipe is another recipe that is so easy and very few ingredients.

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easy homemade apple cider

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This delicious homemade apple cider is sure to be a hit this fall. Raw and unfiltered apple cider can help boost your immune system. These apples typically pertain to Granny Smith or Honeycrisp.

  • Apples contain antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation, protect against cancer, and support heart health. 
  • Fiber Apples are high in fiber, which can help with digestion, weight loss, and blood sugar control.
the finished product of what apple cider looks like in a glass cup

What’s the difference between Apple Cider and Apple Juice?

Apple Juice is typically pasteurized and filtered while apple cider is usually unpasteurized and unfiltered. Apple cider is easier to find during the fall months, but difficult during other times of the year. As a result, apple juice has a longer shelf life than apple cider. Apple Juice also has a sweeter taste and smoother texture than apple cider.

Picking Apples

We are able to pick gallons of apples each year from my grandpas ranch. Apple cider has been a fan favorite at our house and is one way we enjoy using our apples. We love enjoying a nice cold cup of apple cider on a warm day. It just tastes so good.

One day we will enjoy a warm cup of apple cider in front of our fireplace.

We love making different food and drinks with our apples we get each year. We enjoy this traditional style of apple cider, but you can get fancy and add in some different fruits or even a cinnamon stick to your drink. Making our own means we can put in whatever makes us feel good and whatever we find tastes the best. This apple cider is a great way to get fruit into our kids’ bodies and our own bodies besides eating. It’s also way more fun to drink your fruit versus chew it all the time.

Healthiest Apples

Red Delicious are the healthiest apples for people. They have more polyphenolic compounds than many other apples. Most of the nutrition is in the skin, so be sure not to peel these apples, eat the skin and all. These apples also contain more anthocyanidins which provide their color and powerful antioxidants.

Eat an apple a day

Eating an apple a day can have many healthy benefits including the list below. As a result of the benefits below eating a medium size apple each day is best.

Benefits of Apples

  • Vitamin C- which is an antioxidant and helps with immune function.
  • Potassium and Phosphorus-apples are high in both of these which is important for people with high blood pressure.
  • Pectin-acts as a fiber as a prebiotic in the gut
  • Quercetin-this may protect the brain from damage caused by oxidative stress
  • Fisetin-is a compound that may protect against memory loss and may prevent Alzheimer’s

Apples are considered a nutrient dense fruit. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend two cups of fruit a day. Apples with the skin will give the most health benefits.

Facts to know about Apples

  • Apples will ripen 6-10 times faster at room temperature than in the refrigerator https://www.appleholler.com/apple-fun-facts-2/
  • It takes about 36 apples to make one gallon of apple cider https://www.appleholler.com/apple-fun-facts-2/
  • Apple trees can live to roughly 100 years old
  • There are about 2,500 varieties of apples in the United States
  • Apples come in different shades of red, yellow, and green
  • Two pounds of apples is a good amount to make one 9 inch pie
  • Apple trees take four to five years to produce their first fruits.
  • Apple Pie is not American as many people see it is associated with, but a European dessert

Best Apples to Use for Homemade Apple Cider

As you see there are so many different apple variations. I am not an expert at which ones to use or not to use. Please check out the book Apples of Uncommon Character by Rowan Jacobsen. Rowan has a list of his favorite apple cider apples with an explanation of each one. With that said, I don’t think you can go too wrong with any apples and a mixture of a few is great as well.

Health Facts

  • Apples are fat, sodium, and cholesterol free
  • Approximately two-thirds of the fiber is in the apple peel
  • One apple has about 5 grams of fiber
  • A medium apple is about 80 calories

Ever wondered why apples Float?

Have you ever seen kids bobbing for apples? Or have you seen apples in a bowl of water floating? Apples are able to float because they are 25% full of air. Apples are less dense then water.

How to store Homemade Apple Cider?

Apple cider stores best in an air tight container for about 2 weeks in the refrigerator. If you want to have it around for a lot longer then you can put apple cider in an air tight container in the freezer. Make sure you leave a little room in the jar.

Another way to store apple cider is through the canning process.

Canning Homemade Apple Cider

1, Preparing-Sanitize jars and lids

2. Simmering- Do not boil apple cider, but allow to simmer

3. Fill Jars-Place hot apple cider into hot jars leaving 1/4″ of headspace

4. Preparing-Wipe Rims with vinegar and place lid on top

5. Process- Place jars in waterbath canner for 5-10 minutes, depending on jar size and altitude

6. Cooling- Remove canner from heat, wait 5 minutes and then remove jars without tilting

7. Check- Let set for 24 hours and check to see if the lids have sealed

8. Store-Remove rings, wipe jars, and set in a cool, dry, and dark place

Flavor

We have found we do not need to add any sweetener to our apple cider. It is sweet enough with just the sugars from the apples. However, if you find you would like your apple cider sweeter then adding some brown sugar or honey are two excellent choices. For extra flavor adding a cinnamon stick is a nice touch to a delicious apple cider drink.

Using a Juicer

I use the Aicok juicer makes it fun and easy for kids. Children of all ages can help be a part of the apple cider making day. It is nice to use if you just make a little apple cider or if you plan to make a lot it definitely has been nice to have. We have been using this apple juicer for about four years.

two girls making apple cider with a juicer

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Fruit and Vegetable Juicer

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

Print Recipe

Homemade Apple Cider

This delicious homemade apple cider with juicer will be the perfect drink.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes

Notes

Homemade Apple Cider using a juicer (Easy)

Enjoy a Hot Cup of Apple Cider

  1. Wash the apples
  2. Cut the apples to where they fit in juicer (quartering them usually works well). 
  3. Place the apple pieces through the juicer (you can include the core here too).
  4. Place juice in large pot on the stove. Skim of any foam and heat (not boil) for about 10-15 minutes. 
  5. Enjoy a nice hot cup of Apple Cider

Enjoy a Nice Cold Cup of Apple Cider

  1. Follow directions above 1-4
  2. Pour juice in a container and place in the refrigerator for roughly 1-2 hours or until cold to your liking                                                                                                                                                                        

More ways we love to use apples

  • Applesauce
  • Apple Pie Filling
  • Apple Fritters

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

Disclosure

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