A Jug Of This Liquid Gold Turns Pot Roast Into The Coziest Dinner For Fall

A trip to an apple orchard during autumn is an absolute must. Not only is it incredibly fun to pick your fill of apples, but most orchards have a few apple-infused treats to try and buy before you head home. Yes, there are the fresh and delicious New England-approved cider donuts, but then there are also the many jugs of apple cider. It's absolutely delicious, and one of autumn's best treats. But what to do with said cider? It's fantastic to drink on its own, of course, but it might also be just the thing for your next batch of pot roast.

Apples are more commonly paired with pork-based dishes, but that cider will work just as well with a beef roast. The tart flavor of the apple cider will add complexity, and its fruity sweetness can really help to balance the savory richness of the meat and round out that comforting roast. One thing to keep in mind though: Don't go mistaking apple juice for apple cider. Unlike apple juice, which tends to be sweetened and processed, apple cider is raw, unfiltered, and is not modified with added sweeteners. This also means that apple cider won't over-sweeten your dish or give off a false, sugary taste. All you need to do is use a cup or so of cider per pound of beef and add it to your braising mixture just before popping your roast into the oven or turning on your slow cooker. Use your cider in conjunction with broth for a more balanced flavor. Cook as usual and enjoy your tasty result.

While you can absolutely just add a bit of apple cider to your usual pot roast recipe and enjoy, you can also use a few more ingredients to really help the flavors pop. For example, stirring in a bit of apple cider vinegar will bring out a lovely bright acidity to help cut through the richness, making your pot roast even better. You can also add a dollop of Dijon mustard to really give your pot roast a flavor-packed kick. Dijon mustard not also goes well with meat, its sharp zing also pairs really well with the sweet-tart taste of apples, making it a fantastic addition. Horseradish can also work, especially if you want a stronger, punchier flavor.

If you want to give your pot roast an even more intense apple flavor, you can add a dollop or two of apple butter along with the cider. Apple butter will also add a slightly caramelized, spiced touch that will infuse some serious richness to an already cozy and comforting dish. Pair the finished roast with a cool glass of apple cider and finish off the meal with a fresh apple cider donut to enjoy complete fall vibes.