Raisin-Apple Sauce for Ham

Raisin-Apple Sauce for Ham Recipe - Brown Sugar, Cornstarch, Apple Juice, Raisins, Cinnamon, Cloves, Butter

Preparation time: 5 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Raisin-Apple Sauce for Ham is a delicious and versatile sauce that pairs perfectly with ham dishes. The combination of sweet raisins, tart apples, and warm spices creates a flavorful and comforting sauce that will elevate any ham dinner.

History

The combination of raisins and apples in a sauce is a classic pairing that has been enjoyed for centuries. This recipe is a modern twist on traditional fruit sauces, adding a touch of cinnamon and cloves for extra warmth and depth of flavor.

Ingredients

0.25 cup of firmly packed brown sugar
1.5 tbsp of cornstarch
1 cup of apple juice
0.25 cup of raisins
0.25 tsp of cinnamon
8 whole cloves (optional)
1 tbsp of butter or margarine

How to prepare

1. In a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar and cornstarch.
2. Stir in the apple juice, raisins, cinnamon, and cloves.
3. Cook and stir these ingredients for 10 minutes until thickened.
4. Remove the cloves and discard. Add butter or margarine. Serve hot.

Variations

Add a splash of apple cider vinegar for a tangy twist.
Stir in a tablespoon of Dijon mustard for a savory kick.
Swap out the raisins for dried cranberries or apricots for a different flavor profile.

Notes

Cook Time:
Serves: 6

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to stir the sauce constantly while cooking to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

- If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can blend it in a food processor or blender before serving.

- Adjust the sweetness of the sauce by adding more or less brown sugar to suit your taste.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Raisin-Apple Sauce warm over baked ham, roasted pork, or grilled chicken. It also makes a delicious topping for pancakes or waffles.

Cooking Techniques

This sauce is cooked on the stovetop in a saucepan, making it a quick and easy recipe to prepare.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use white sugar instead of brown sugar if desired.

- Butter can be used in place of margarine.

Make Ahead Tips

This sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Raisin-Apple Sauce in a small bowl or pitcher alongside your main dish. Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a few whole cloves for a festive touch.

Pairing Recommendations

This sauce pairs well with a variety of meats, including ham, pork, and chicken. It also complements roasted vegetables and grains like quinoa or rice.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

110

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 22g

- Dietary Fiber: 1g

- Sugars: 16g

Fats

- Total Fat: 2g

- Saturated Fat: 1g

Proteins

- Protein: 0g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin C: 2%

- Iron: 2%

Alergens

Contains: None

Summary

This Raisin-Apple Sauce is a low-fat and low-calorie sauce that is rich in carbohydrates and natural sugars. It is a great way to add flavor and sweetness to your ham dishes without adding a lot of extra calories.

Summary

Raisin-Apple Sauce for Ham is a delicious and easy-to-make sauce that adds a touch of sweetness and warmth to your favorite dishes. With simple ingredients and a quick cooking time, this sauce is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still remember the exact moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Raisin-Apple Sauce for Ham. It was a cool autumn day, and I was visiting my dear friend Margaret's house for a cup of tea. Margaret was known for her culinary skills and always had a new recipe up her sleeve to try.

As we sat in her cozy kitchen, sipping our tea and chatting away, Margaret suddenly got up and disappeared into her pantry. She emerged with a small notebook in hand, filled with handwritten recipes that had been passed down from her mother and grandmother.

"Have you ever tried Raisin-Apple Sauce for Ham?" Margaret asked, flipping through the pages of her notebook. "It's a family favorite, and I think you would really enjoy it."

I watched as Margaret gathered the ingredients and began to prepare the sauce. The sweet aroma of apples and cinnamon filled the air, and I couldn't wait to taste the finished product.

As we sat down to enjoy our meal, I took a bite of the ham topped with the Raisin-Apple Sauce. It was a perfect blend of sweet and savory, and I instantly fell in love with the dish. Margaret smiled at me, knowing that she had introduced me to a new favorite recipe.

From that day on, I knew that I had to learn how to make Raisin-Apple Sauce for Ham myself. Margaret graciously shared her recipe with me, and I eagerly set out to recreate the dish in my own kitchen.

Over the years, I have made this recipe countless times for family gatherings and special occasions. Each time, it brings back fond memories of that autumn day at Margaret's house and the delicious meal we shared together.

The key to making the perfect Raisin-Apple Sauce for Ham lies in the quality of the ingredients. I always make sure to use fresh apples, plump raisins, and a touch of cinnamon to enhance the flavor of the sauce.

To begin, I peel and core a few apples, then chop them into small pieces. I place the apples in a saucepan with some water, sugar, and cinnamon, and let them simmer until they are soft and fragrant.

Next, I add a handful of raisins to the saucepan and let them plump up in the sweet apple mixture. The raisins add a burst of sweetness and texture to the sauce, making it even more delicious.

Once the sauce has thickened slightly, I remove it from the heat and let it cool before serving it over a juicy ham. The combination of the tender meat and the sweet and tangy sauce is a match made in culinary heaven.

As I sit down to enjoy a plate of Raisin-Apple Sauce for Ham, I can't help but think of Margaret and the day she introduced me to this wonderful recipe. I am grateful for the friendships and memories that have been made over a shared love of cooking and good food.

I hope that one day, I can pass down this recipe to my own grandchildren, just as Margaret did for me. Food has a way of bringing people together and creating lasting memories, and I am grateful for the joy that cooking has brought into my life.