Best Apple Brandy Recipes

APPLE BRANDY

Steps:

• Combine sugar and water in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil; cook and stir until sugar is dissolved. Remove from the heat., Place apples in a large glass or plastic container; add the sugar mixture, brandy, cloves and cinnamon stick. Cover and let stand at room temperature for at least two weeks, stirring once a week., Strain brandy mixture; discard apples and spices. Pour into glass bottles. Place an additional three cloves and one cinnamon stick in each bottle.

APPLE BRANDY PECAN CAKE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°. Lightly grease a 13x9-in. baking pan., In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until well blended, about 3 minutes. Add 1 egg at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in applesauce and brandy. In another bowl, whisk flour, salt, baking soda, cinnamon, allspice and nutmeg; gradually add to butter mixture. Fold in apples and pecans. , Transfer to prepared pan. Bake until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, 40-50 minutes. Cool completely. If desired, top with caramel topping.

HOT CINNAMON APPLE BRANDY CIDER

Steps:

• Combine apple cider, apple brandy, 1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon brown sugar, honey, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, pepper, and salt in a pot over medium-high heat. Simmer until flavors combine, about 10 minutes.
• Pour apple cider mixture into heat-proof mugs. Twist orange zest strips between your fingers to release the essential oils; drop 1 into each mug. Add 1 cinnamon stick to each mug.

CHICKEN WITH APPLE-BRANDY CREAM SAUCE

Steps:

• Melt butter in heavy large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Season chicken with salt and pepper.
• Coat with flour, shaking off excess.
• Add chicken to skillet and cook until brown on both sides and cooked through, about 4 minutes per side.
• Transfer to platter.
• Pour off all but 1 tablespoon butter from skillet.
• Add apples and both brandies; simmer over medium heat until apples are tender and liquid is slightly syrupy, about 7 minutes.
• Using slotted spoon, transfer apples to platter with chicken.
• Add cream to skillet; boil until thickened to sauce consistency, about 5 minutes.
• Season with salt and pepper.
• Return chicken and apples to skillet and heat through, about 2 minutes.
• Arrange chicken on plates.
• Spoon apples and sauce over and serve.

ROAST TURKEY WITH APPLE-BRANDY GRAVY

Steps:

• Combine the salt, 1 teaspoon pepper and the sugar in a small bowl. Remove the neck and giblets from the turkey and reserve for the gravy (discard the liver). Transfer the turkey to a rimmed baking sheet and pat dry. Season the skin and inside the cavity with the salt mixture. Refrigerate, uncovered, overnight.
• Remove the turkey from the refrigerator and rinse off the salt mixture; pat dry. Position a rack in the lower third of the oven and preheat to 325 degrees F. Place the apple, half of the onions, 2 garlic halves, the lemon and about 10 thyme sprigs in the cavity of the turkey; tie the legs together with twine and place breast-side up in a roasting pan. Melt 2 sticks butter with 6 thyme sprigs in a small saucepan over medium heat. Divide the melted butter in half. Brush the turkey with half of the melted butter and tent with foil. Transfer to the oven and roast 3 hours.
• Meanwhile, combine the chicken broth, bay leaves, reserved neck and giblets, and the remaining chopped onion, 2 garlic halves and 4 thyme sprigs in a saucepan; bring to a boil. Lower the heat to medium and simmer until reduced to about 4 cups, about 1 hour. Strain into a clean saucepan; set aside for the gravy.
• Remove the turkey from the oven and increase the oven temperature to 425 degrees F. Divide the remaining melted butter in half (remelt if necessary). Uncover the turkey and brush with half of the melted butter. Return to the oven and continue roasting until browned and a thermometer inserted into the thigh registers 165 degrees F, 45 minutes to 1 hour.
• Stir the honey into the remaining melted butter and brush all over the turkey; roast 10 more minutes. Remove from the oven, transfer to a cutting board and brush with any remaining honey butter; let rest 30 minutes before carving.
• Meanwhile, make the gravy: Pour out the fat from the roasting pan and discard. Set the roasting pan on 2 burners over medium-high heat; add the apple brandy and hard cider. Cook, scraping up any browned bits with a wooden spoon, until reduced by half, about 10 minutes. Add the reserved chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
• Mix the flour and the remaining 2 tablespoons butter in a small bowl to make a paste; whisk into the roasting pan. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium and simmer until thickened, about 25 minutes. Strain and keep warm over low heat. Carve the turkey and serve with the gravy.

ROAST GOOSE WITH BRANDY CRANBERRY REDUCTION AND APPLE CIDER GLAZED PEARL ONIONS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 475 degrees F.
• Remove the neck, giblets and liver from the goose. Rinse the goose thoroughly inside and out under cold running water. Reserve the neck and giblets separately. Pat the goose dry with paper towels and season with the kosher salt and black pepper. Place the onions, carrots and celery in a medium bowl and toss to combine. Remove 1/2 cup of the vegetable mixture and set aside. Stuff the cavity of the goose with the remaining vegetable mixture, 2 bay leaves, 4 sprigs of thyme and 4 cloves of garlic. Truss the goose.
• Using a fork, prick the skin of the goose on the thighs, back, and lower breast. Place the goose on a rack in a large roasting pan. Place the goose in the oven and roast for 20 minutes. Reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees F, pour 1/3 cup of hot water over the breast and legs of the goose and continue to roast the goose for another 30 minutes. Open the oven door and pour another 1/3 cup of hot water over the breast and legs of the goose. Close the oven and cook the goose another 30 minutes. Pour a final 1/3 cup of hot water over the goose to help the fat render from the bird and cook the goose for a final 30 minutes. Insert an instant-read thermometer into the thigh of the goose without touching the bone and be sure that it registers at least 165 degrees F. If it does, remove the goose from the oven and allow to rest. If not, continue to roast the goose for another 30 minutes.
• While the goose roasts, prepare the goose stock. Use a heavy, sharp knife to chop the goose neck into 2 or 3 pieces. Place the chopped neck and giblets in a 2-quart saucepan and sear over medium heat. Cook the necks and giblets, turning occasionally, until well caramelized, 5 to 6 minutes. Add the reserved 1/2 cup of vegetables, the remaining bay leaf, sprig of thyme, 2 cloves of garlic, and 1/4 cup sliced shallots and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are wilted and lightly caramelized, 4 to 5 minutes. Add the stock, increase the heat to high, and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook the stock for 1 hour. After 1 hour, remove from the heat, strain through a fine-mesh sieve and reserve stock on the side. Discard solids. Pour the brandy over the cranberries and reserve separately.
• When the goose is cooked, place it on a warmed platter, and pour off the fat that has collected in the roasting pan, being sure not to pour off the browned bits on the bottom of the pan. Once most of the fat has been removed from the roasting pan, place it on the stovetop over medium heat on 2 burners. Add the minced shallots to the pan and cook for 1 minute, stirring with a wooden spoon to scrape up the browned bits. Add the brandy, cranberries, and thyme leaves and continue to cook until the brandy is nearly evaporated, about 1 minute. Add the reserved goose stock to the pan and reduce the heat to medium low. Continue to cook until the stock is reduced by about half and the sauce is thickened, 4 to 5 minutes. Transfer the sauce to a sauce boat and serve alongside the goose. Serve the pearl onions on the side.
• Preheat the oven to 475 degrees F.
• Remove the neck, giblets and liver from the goose. Rinse the goose thoroughly inside and out under cold running water. Reserve the neck and giblets separately. Pat the goose dry with paper towels and season with the kosher salt and black pepper. Place the onions, carrots and celery in a medium bowl and toss to combine. Remove 1/2 cup of the vegetable mixture and set aside. Stuff the cavity of the goose with the remaining vegetable mixture, 2 bay leaves, 4 sprigs of thyme and 4 cloves of garlic. Truss the goose.
• Using a fork, prick the skin of the goose on the thighs, back, and lower breast. Place the goose on a rack in a large roasting pan. Place the goose in the oven and roast for 20 minutes. Reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees F, pour 1/3 cup of hot water over the breast and legs of the goose and continue to roast the goose for another 30 minutes. Open the oven door and pour another 1/3 cup of hot water over the breast and legs of the goose. Close the oven and cook the goose another 30 minutes. Pour a final 1/3 cup of hot water over the goose to help the fat render from the bird and cook the goose for a final 30 minutes. Insert an instant-read thermometer into the thigh of the goose without touching the bone and be sure that it registers at least 165 degrees F. If it does, remove the goose from the oven and allow to rest. If not, continue to roast the goose for another 30 minutes.
• While the goose roasts, prepare the goose stock. Use a heavy, sharp knife to chop the goose neck into 2 or 3 pieces. Place the chopped neck and giblets in a 2-quart saucepan and sear over medium heat. Cook the necks and giblets, turning occasionally, until well caramelized, 5 to 6 minutes. Add the reserved 1/2 cup of vegetables, the remaining bay leaf, sprig of thyme, 2 cloves of garlic, and 1/4 cup sliced shallots and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are wilted and lightly caramelized, 4 to 5 minutes. Add the stock, increase the heat to high, and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook the stock for 1 hour. After 1 hour, remove from the heat, strain through a fine-mesh sieve and reserve stock on the side. Discard solids. Pour the brandy over the cranberries and reserve separately.
• When the goose is cooked, place it on a warmed platter, and pour off the fat that has collected in the roasting pan, being sure not to pour off the browned bits on the bottom of the pan. Once most of the fat has been removed from the roasting pan, place it on the stovetop over medium heat on 2 burners. Add the minced shallots to the pan and cook for 1 minute, stirring with a wooden spoon to scrape up the browned bits. Add the brandy, cranberries, and thyme leaves and continue to cook until the brandy is nearly evaporated, about 1 minute. Add the reserved goose stock to the pan and reduce the heat to medium low. Continue to cook until the stock is reduced by about half and the sauce is thickened, 4 to 5 minutes. Transfer the sauce to a sauce boat and serve alongside the goose. Serve the pearl onions on the side.
• Set a 12-inch saute pan over medium-high heat. Add the goose fat to the pan and, once hot, add the pearl onions. Cook the onions until caramelized, 4 to 5 minutes, swirling the pan to ensure even browning. Deglaze the pan with the apple cider vinegar and, when nearly evaporated, about 30 seconds, add the apple cider, thyme leaves and salt and pepper. Reduce the heat to medium and continue to cook the onions until tender, and the cider has reduced to a syrup-like consistency, 7 to 8 minutes. Serve alongside the goose as a side dish.
• Set a 12-inch saute pan over medium-high heat. Add the goose fat to the pan and, once hot, add the pearl onions. Cook the onions until caramelized, 4 to 5 minutes, swirling the pan to ensure even browning. Deglaze the pan with the apple cider vinegar and, when nearly evaporated, about 30 seconds, add the apple cider, thyme leaves and salt and pepper. Reduce the heat to medium and continue to cook the onions until tender, and the cider has reduced to a syrup-like consistency, 7 to 8 minutes. Serve alongside the goose as a side dish.

APPLE BREAD PUDDING WITH BRANDY BUTTERSCOTCH SAUCE

Steps:

• PREHEAT THE OVEN to 350°F
• Lightly grease a 9- by 13-inch baking dish.
• CRUMBLE THE BREAD into coarse crumbs, using your hands.
• Sprinkle two-thirds of the crumbs into the prepared baking dish.
• Arrange the apple wedges over the bread in rows, overlapping them slightly.
• COMBINE THE EGGS, half-and-half, 1 cup of the sugar, 2 teaspoons of the cinnamon, and the nutmeg and cloves in a large bowl.
• Beat well, then pour the mixture over the apples and bread.
• In another bowl, combine the ground hazelnuts with the remaining bread crumbs, 1/4 cup brown sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon.
• Sprinkle this mixture over the apples and press down gently so it soaks up some of the liquid.
• Bake until the pudding is lightly browned and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean, 60 to 70 minutes.
• MAKE THE SAUCE while the bread pudding is baking.
• Combine the butter and honey in a deep, medium-sized saucepan (the mixture will expand when it boils) and heat over medium-low heat until both are melted and smooth.
• Bring to a boil without stirring and simmer for 5 minutes.
• Reduce the heat and carefully stir in the cream and brandy.
• Cook 1 minute longer.
• Set aside and keep warm until needed.
• LET THE BREAD PUDDING sit for a few minutes before cutting into serving pieces.
• Drizzle a little of the brandy butterscotch sauce over each serving, passing the extra sauce separately.

CHICKEN WITH APPLE-BRANDY CREAM SAUCE

Steps:

• Melt buter in heavy large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Coast with flour, shaking off excess. Add chicken to skille and cook until brown on both sides and cooked through, about 4 minutes per side. Transfer to platter. Pour off all but 1 tablespoon butter from skillet. Add apples and both brandies; simmer over medium heat until apples are tender and liquid is slightly syrupy, about 7 minutes. Using slotted spoon, transfer apples to platter with chicken. Add cream to skillet; boil until thickened to sauce consistency, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Return chicken and apples to skillet and heat through, about 2 minutes. Arrange chicken on plates. Spoon apples and sauce over and serve.

APPLE-BRANDY GRILLED PORK LOIN BY EMERIL

Steps:

• To make the marinade, in a bowl, combine the apple juice, brandy, brown sugar, mustard, oil, 1 teaspoon of the salt, 12 teaspoon of the pepper, the cinnamon, allspice, and cayenne and whisk well to combine and dissolve the sugar.
• Place the loin in a large re-sealable plastic bag and add the marinade. Seal and place in a large baking dish. Let marinate in the refrigerator for 8 hours or overnight, turning occasionally.
• Preheat a grill to medium-low heat (230 degrees to 250 degrees F).
• Remove the pork from the marinade and pat dry, discarding the marinade, and season on all sides with 1 teaspoon of the Essence (see recipe below) and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
• Grill the pork with the grill lid closed, turning several times, until an instant-read
• thermometer registers an internal temperature of 145 degrees F when inserted into the thickest portion of the meat, about 45 minutes, depending upon the thickness of the meat.
• Remove the pork from the grill, cover loosely with aluminum foil, and let rest for 10 minutes before carving.
• Emeril's ESSENCE Creole Seasoning (also referred to as Bayou Blast): 2 1/2 tablespoons paprika; 2 tablespoons salt; 2 tablespoons garlic powder; 1 tablespoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon onion powder; 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper; 1 tablespoon dried oregano; 1 tablespoon dried thyme; Combine all ingredients thoroughly (Yield: 2/3 cup).

SEARED SCALLOPS ON SPINACH WITH APPLE-BRANDY CREAM SAUCE

Steps:

• Heat 1/2 tablespoon olive oil in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add shallot; stir 30 seconds. Add Calvados (brandy may ignite); boil 30 seconds. Add cream; boil 2 minutes. Transfer sauce base to bowl. (Sauce base can be made 2 hours ahead. Let stand at room temperature.)
• Preheat oven to 300°F. Sprinkle scallops with salt and pepper. Heat vegetable oil in another large nonstick skillet over high heat. Add 8 scallops.
• Cook until brown, about 2 minutes per side. Transfer to rimmed baking sheet; place in oven to keep warm. Repeat with remaining scallops. Add apple juice and thyme to hot skillet. Boil 1 minute, scraping up brown bits. Add sauce base; bring to boil. Remove from heat.
• Heat remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add garlic and stir 30 seconds. Add spinach; toss until barely wilted and still bright green, about 2 minutes. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Using tongs, mound spinach in center of 8 plates, dividing equally.
• Arrange 2 scallops on spinach on each plate. Pour any collected juices from baking sheet into sauce in skillet. Boil until thickened, about 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper; spoon over scallops.

MY FRESH APPLE BRANDY CAKE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
• Beat the oil and sugars together.
• Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each one.
• Sift the flour, cinnamon, salt and baking soda together.
• Add half of the flour mixture gradually to the egg mixture, mixing well.
• Add the apple brandy, vanilla and the coconut, mixing well.
• Dredge the apples, raisins and nuts in the remaining flour, coating well.
• Gradually stir into the cake mixture, mixing thoroughly.
• Pour into a well-greased and floured 10 inch tube cake pan.
• Bake for 1 hour and 20 minutes (or until a knife blade comes out clean when inserted into the cake.).

CALVADOS (APPLE BRANDY) GRAVY

Steps:

• Place the sugar in a medium-size heavy saucepan. Place over medium heat, and cook until sugar is golden (do not stir).
• Carefully add cider, stirring constantly (mixture will bubble vigorously).
• Stir in brandy; cook 1 minute.
• Add broth, lemon juice, nutmeg and salt.
• Combine water and cornstarch, stirring with a wire whisk; add to the gravy. Bring to a boil and cook 1 minute, stirring constantly.

RON'S BRANDY APPLE PIE

Steps:

• Make the crust: In a large bowl, sift together flours, sugar, salt, baking powder, and mace. Cut in butter with a pastry blender until pea-size clumps form. In a small bowl, whisk together brandy, vanilla, and whole egg. Pour into flour mixture and blend with a fork until mixture is moist and holds together.
• Turn the dough out onto a work surface. Divide in two. Sprinkle with just enough flour and sugar to coat. Place each half on a sheet of plastic wrap. Flatten and form two disks. Wrap, and refrigerate at least 1 hour before using.
• Make the filling: In a large bowl, sift together sugars, flour, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, allspice, and mace; set aside. Place apples in another large bowl. In a small bowl, mix together brandy and vanilla; pour over apples. Add 3/4 of the flour mixture to the apples; toss to combine.
• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Butter and flour a 12-inch pie plate; set aside. Place two large sheets of plastic wrap on top of one another on a work surface. Sprinkle with enough flour and sugar to lightly coat. Place 1 disk of dough on plastic wrap, and lightly sprinkle with flour and sugar. Cover dough with 2 large pieces plastic wrap. Roll out dough between plastic wrap to a 14-inch circle. Peel off top layers of plastic wrap and flip dough over into prepared pie plate. Carefully peel off remaining layers of plastic wrap. Using scissors or a sharp paring knife, trim edges to 1 inch. Reserve trimmings.
• Sprinkle reserved flour mixture into pastry-lined pie plate. Fill with apple mixture, mounding in the center; dot with butter. Roll out second disk of dough between plastic wrap following the same process as above. Lay over apples. Cut vents into top crust. Trim edges to 1 inch and seal crimping edges with thumb and forefinger.
• Divide beaten egg yolk in half. Add enough red food coloring to half the yolk to create desired shade of red; set remaining yolk aside. Gather reserved pastry trimmings together and roll 1/8 inch thick; brush with colored yolk. Cut out into leaf shapes.
• Brush top of pie with reserved egg yolk and attach decorative shapes. Sprinkle with sugar.
• Place pie on a baking sheet. This will catch any juices that may overflow during baking. Loosely cover pie with parchment-lined aluminum foil. Transfer pie to oven and bake for about 1 hour. Reduce temperature to 375 degrees and continue baking for another hour. During the last 10 minutes of baking, remove foil so that the pie has a nice golden color. Serve pie warm.

APPLE-CHERRY-WHITE CHOCOLATE FRANGIPANE TART WITH GREEN APPLE SORBET AND CHERRY-APPLE BRANDY COMPOTE

Steps:

• For the pate brisee: In a food processor, blend the flour, sugar and salt with the butter until a coarse meal forms. Add the water and mix until a dough forms.
• Form the dough into a disc, sandwich it between two sheets of parchment paper, and roll into a 1/4-inch-thick slab. Chill for 30 minutes.
• Cut out circles of dough to fit six 4-inch tart pans; line the tart pans with the dough. Refrigerate until ready to use.
• For the frangipane filling: Combine the butter, cornstarch, almond paste, powdered sugar, dried cherries, white chocolate and egg in a food processor. Process to form a paste.
• For the tart: Fill the lined tart pans a little over halfway with frangipane filling. Top each with a nice fan of sliced apples.
• Bake in a preheated 375-degree oven for 15 minutes. Lower the heat to 325 degrees and continue baking until golden on the edges and set at the center, another 15 minutes.
• Remove from the oven and allow to cool before service.
• Unmold the tarts and glaze with melted apricot preserves.
• For the cherry-apple brandy compote: Mix the cherries, sugar, brandy and pectin in a saute pan and cook until thickened, about 10 minutes.
• Add a few drops of lemon juice and cook for another minute.
• Allow to cool, then puree and serve.
• For the green apple sorbet: Make a simple syrup by boiling the sugar and water together. Let cool to room temperature, about 1 hour.
• In a blender, puree the apples along with the simple syrup and the lemon juice until smooth; strain if a smoother texture is desired.
• Add the citric acid, and taste ¿ add more citric acid if needed to make sure the flavor is bright.
• Transfer the mixture to an ice-cream machine and spin according to manufacturer's instructions.
• Serve the tarts with compote and sorbet.

APPLE, PEAR SEARED SCALLOPS SALAD WITH A BRANDY SAUCE

Steps:

• Brandy Sauce -- I make this first so it is already to go because everything else is so quick. In a small pot add the oil and heat to medium high heat. Saute the shallot and cook just a minute until it softens slightly. Add the brandy (make sure you remove from the burner when you do this) return and then cook just a few seconds. Then add in the cream and boil for 2-3 minutes. Remove from the heat and transfer to a small bowl. I just keep it at room temperature unless you make it the morning of, then you can refrigerate. But make sure you bring to room temp before you make your scallops.
• Apples and Pears -- I make these ahead to and just reheat in the micro for just 1 minute. Makes this much easier. In a small sauce pan add the butter and bring to medium high heat. Add the apples and pears and cook 3-5 minutes until soft but NOT mushy. You want them tender. Once soft, add in the pecans and remove to a small bowl and cover with plastic wrap.
• Scallops -- Remove from the refrigerator and let them set at room temperature. Just let them come to room temp it won't take long. At this point, make sure you take your sauce and apples out of the refrigerator if you made them earlier that day. You want to make sure they are room temperature.
• Searing Scallops -- Very Important! Make sure the scallops are dry, pat dry with a paper towel. In a small bowl, add the bread crumbs, salt and pepper and dip each side of the scallop lightly in the mixture. Then in large saute pan NON stick heat to medium high to high heat and add the olive oil. Add the scallops (don't over crowd, you want a nice dark brown sear) and cook until nicely brown on each side. They will only take about 2 minutes per side. It may take 2 batches depending on the size of your pan. Remove to a plate and cover with foil as you make the sauce.
• Part 2 -- After removing the scallops, reduce the heat to medium and add the apple cider and thyme to the pan and scrape up all the bits on the bottom. Boil 1 minute until the cider reduces a bit and all the bits are scraped up. Then add you room temp brandy sauce and bring to a boil. Cook 1 minute and remove from the heat.
• Spinach, Apples and Pears -- Last components. I just reheat my apples/pears in the microwave for just a minute before plating.
• And as for the spinach, I just put in a large bowl and toss with a teaspoon of olive oil, salt and pepper. Then toss and cover with plastic wrap and cook 1 minute. You don't want it completely wilted, just lightly sauteed.
• Plating -- On each plate, add some of the wilted spinach and then a scallop in the middle. Top that scallop with a spoon of the apple, pear, and nut mixture and then another scallop. Put a tooth pic through the top so they don't fall over. Just drizzle with the brandy sauce and serve.
• Just enjoy this great very unique wonderful appetizer/salad starter course. This served with some grilled steaks or beef tenderloin a potato gratain and some amazing desert makes this a 5 star dinner. A little work for a beginning dish, but it does get noticed.

NORMANDY PORK CASSEROLE WITH APPLE BRANDY

Steps:

• Oven: 170ºC / 325ºF / Gas Mark 3, pre-heated Fan Oven: 150ºC 1.Heat the oil in the casserole on the hob over a medium heat, add the bacon and cook until crisp. Drain the cooked bacon into a dish retaining the oil in the casserole. 2.Add the butter to the oil and cook the shallots until nicely browned. Add the pork a little at a time, allowing each batch to colour slightly before adding the next. 3.Once all the meat has been added and coloured pull the pan away from the heat. Pour over the calvados and carefully ignite, standing well back until the flames subside. (See cook's notes 1) 4.Place the pan back over the heat, add the celery, chopped apple, mustard, pepper, herbs and stock, stir well to release any caramelized pieces from the base. Bring to a gentle simmer, place on the lid and transfer to the oven to cook for 2 hours. 5.Skim away the excess fat from the top of the casserole and discard. Stir in the cream fraîche along with the cornflour and water mixture. Return the casserole with the lid on to the oven for 15-20 minutes to thicken. 6.Heat the butter in a small frying pan and gently fry the sage leaves until crisp. 7.Remove the casserole from the oven, stir the contents and adjust the seasoning to taste with some pepper and salt if needed. (See cook's note 2) 8.Serve the casserole decorated with the crisp sage leaves on top. Accompany with simply prepared potatoes, boiled or mashed, green vegetables and some crusty bread. Cook's notes 1.Igniting the alcohol is termed to flambé; it should be done carefully using a long match or barbecue lighter. Have the means of ignition ready before you start or the brandy will soak into the meat and juices and may not ignite. Always light at the edge of the dish. 2.If using a stock cube extra seasoning will probably not be required

BRANDY APPLE PIE

Steps:

• In a large bowl, combine the 2 1/3 cups of flour, and salt. Cut in butter until crumbly.
• Gradually add water, tossing with a fork until a ball forms.
• Divide dough in half, so that one portion is slightly larger than the other, wrap each in plastic wrap.
• Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until easy to handle.
• In a small saucepan, over low heat, cook raisins in brandy for 13-15 minutes or until raisins are plump. Strain reserving liquid, and set raisins aside.
• In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg. Add the apples, lemon juice, raisins, and 1/2 teaspoon of the reserved liquid in the previous step.
• On a lightly floured surface, roll out larger portion of dough to fit in a 9 inch pie plate.
• Transfer pastry to pie plate.
• Trim pastry even with the edges, then add apple filling, and dot with butter.
• Roll out remaining pastry to fit top of pie, and place over the filling.
• Trim, seal, and flute edges. Cut slits in pastry, and cover edges loosely with foil.
• Bake at 400 degrees for 45-55 minutes or until bubbly.
• Cool on a wire rack for 30 minutes.

HOT APPLE CIDER SPIKED WITH CALVADOS APPLE BRANDY

Steps:

• Bring cider to simmer over medium heat.
• Add mulling spice (using cheesecloth or large tea ball). Mull for 15 minutes over medium-low heat. Remove.
• Stir in brandy. Serve.

BAKED PEARS IN MAPLE SYRUP AND APPLE BRANDY

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°F.
• Put syrup in a shallow bowl. Put a thin slice from bottom of each pear so that pears will stand upright. Dip and roll each pear in maple syrup to coat completely, reserving remaining syrup. Transfer pears as coated to a 9- by 2-inch square baking pan, standing them upright.
• Sprinkle pears with 2 tablespoons sugar, holding by stems and tilting to coat sides. Stir lemon juice, 2 tablespoons Calvados, and butter into reserved syrup and pour around pears in pan.
• Bake pears, uncovered, in middle of oven until undersides are tender when pierced with a knife, about 30 minutes.
• Beat cream with remaining tablespoon sugar and remaining tablespoon Calvados with an electric mixer until it holds soft peaks.
• Divide pears and syrup among plates and serve warm, with whipped cream on the side.

DUBE'S BRANDY APPLE PIE

Steps:

• Make the crust:
• In a large bowl, sift together flours, sugar, salt, baking powder, and mace.
• Cut in butter with a pastry blender until pea-sized clumps form.
• In a small bowl, whisk together brandy, vanilla, and whole egg. Pour into flour mixture and blend with a fork until mixture is moist and holds together.
• Turn the dough out onto a work surface. Divide in two.
• Sprinkle with just enough flour and sugar to coat.
• Place each half on a sheet of plastic wrap.
• Flatten and form two discs.
• Wrap, and refrigerate at least 1 hour before using.
• Make the filling:
• In a large bowl, sift together sugars, flour, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, allspice, and mace; set aside.
• Place apples in another large bowl.
• In a small bowl, mix together brandy and vanilla; pour over apples.
• Add 3/4 of the flour mixture to the apples; toss to combine.
• Preheat the oven to 400°.
• Butter and flour a 12-inch pie plate; set aside.
• Place two large sheets of plastic wrap on top of one another on a work surface.
• Sprinkle with enough flour and sugar to lightly coat.
• Place 1 disc of dough on plastic wrap, and lightly sprinkle with flour and sugar.
• Cover dough with 2 large pieces plastic wrap.
• Roll out dough between plastic wrap to a 14-inch circle.
• Peel off top layers of plastic wrap and flip dough over into prepared pie plate.
• Carefully peel off remaining layers of plastic wrap.
• Using scissors or a sharp paring knife, trim edges to 1 inch. Reserve trimmings.
• Sprinkle reserved flour mixture into pastry-lined pie plate.
• Fill with apple mixture, mounding in the center; dot with butter.
• Roll out second disc of dough between plastic wrap following the same process as above.
• Lay over apples.
• Cut vents into top crust.
• Trim edges to 1 inch and seal crimping edges with thumb and forefinger.
• Divide beaten egg yolk in half.
• Add enough red food coloring to half the yolk to create desired shade of red; set remaining yolk aside.
• Gather reserved pastry trimmings together and roll 1/8-inch thick; brush with colored yolk.
• Cut out into leaf shapes.
• Brush top of pie with reserved egg yolk and attach decorative shapes.
• Sprinkle with sugar.
• Place pie on a baking sheet.
• This will catch any juices that may overflow during baking.
• Loosely cover pie with parchment-lined aluminum foil.
• Transfer pie to oven and bake for about 1 hour.
• Reduce temperature to 375° and continue baking for another hour.
• During the last 10 minutes of baking, remove foil so that the pie has a nice golden color.
• Serve pie warm.