Indulge in the flavors of the countryside with these Farmhouse Savory Stuffed Apples with Hard Cider. This recipe combines the natural sweetness of pink lady apples with a savory filling of mild sausage, cooked rice, and aromatic herbs. The addition of Mercier Orchard Hard Cider infuses the dish with a delightful hint of apple goodness. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or simply craving a taste of farm-fresh goodness, these stuffed apples are sure to impress.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 2-3 apples *We recommend apples that are a combination of sweet and tart, like Pink Lady apples or Crimson Crisp
- 1/2 pound of mild sausage
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves of minced garlic
- 1/2 cup of chopped onion
- 1 cup of cooked rice
- 1/4 cup fresh chopped parsley
- 1 can of Mercier Orchards Hard Cider
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Butter for topping
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and ensure the oven rack is in the center position.
- Prepare the apples by coring them.
*Optional: Slice a small portion of the apple bottom, around 1/4 inch, to allow the apples to sit flat. Another method is to place apples in a baking dish where the apples will sit snugly to prevent them from tipping over. - Using a spoon, gently scoop out the insides of the apples, creating a hollow space for the stuffing. Set the hollowed apples aside.
- In a sauté pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onions start to soften.
- Remove the onion and garlic mixture from the heat and transfer it to a mixing bowl. Add the mild sausage to the bowl, along with salt and pepper to taste. Incorporate the cooked rice into the mixture, ensuring it is evenly distributed. For an extra burst of freshness, sprinkle in the fresh chopped parsley and gently mix everything together.
- Take the sausage and rice stuffing and generously stuff it into the hollowed apples, packing it in until the apples are full.
- Pour half of the Mercier Orchard Hard Cider over the stuffed apples, allowing the flavors to infuse as they cook.
- To prevent the stuffing from drying out, place a small piece of butter on top of each stuffed apple, gently pressing it to keep it in place.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, remove the foil and check if the apples are starting to soften. If they need more time, cover them again and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
- Once the apples have softened, remove the foil to allow the tops to brown. Continue baking for another 6-8 minutes, or until the stuffed apples are beautifully golden.
- Carefully remove the Farmhouse Savory Stuffed Apples with Hard Cider from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.