Apple Butter Chicken Salad with Honey Apple Dressing
Exploring the Delicious World of Apple Butter
As a mom who loves cooking, I often come up with new recipes that I know my boys will enjoy. I always strive to stick to their favorite ingredients, but occasionally, I take a leap of culinary faith and introduce them to something novel. Recently, I had the pleasure of trying out some Apple Butter from the Dept. of Sweet Diversions. Although I had never tasted apple butter before, I was eager to incorporate it into a meal.
Unveiling the Dept. of Sweet Diversions
The Dept. of Sweet Diversions is not your ordinary jam company. They source local, organic, and/or sustainably grown fruit for their variety of preserves, which include jams, marmalades, and jellies. In a bid to reduce their carbon footprint, most of their ingredients are sourced from farmers’ markets within a 12-mile radius of their kitchen. Their mission is to elevate the art of preserving and to inspire people to try new fruit and flavor combinations.
Virginie Strub, the driving force behind the company, has injected a new level of culinary creativity and a fresh personality into the rather stagnant jam aisle. Together with her long-time friend and illustration artist Thomas Urech, they have launched the Dept. of Sweet Diversions. Their jams are made in small batches using traditional techniques, blending classic cooking processes with modern and surprisingly delightful flavors. Every jam, from the fresh strawberries mixed with the smoky notes of Grand Marnier to the smooth taste of Bartlett pears with luxurious acacia honey and fresh ginger, features seasonal ingredients.
Creating a Fall Favorite: Apple Butter Chicken Salad
Using the Dept. of Sweet Diversions Apple Butter, I whipped up an Apple Butter Chicken Salad with a Honey Apple Dressing. The result was a massive hit! The flavorful Apple Butter, paired with a hint of Rosemary on the chicken and served on a fresh salad with a Honey Apple Dressing, truly encapsulated the taste of fall.
The Apple Butter added a unique, flavorful twist to many dishes, but this salad was my absolute favorite. I truly hope you’ll try it out and find it as delightful as we did!
Recipe: Apple Butter Chicken Salad with Honey Apple Dressing
Apple Butter Chicken Salad is packed with fall flavors and is an excellent way to welcome the season. Here’s how to make it:
Ingredients:
- Salad
- 1 Head of Lettuce
- 1/2 Bundle of Spinach
- 1 Pack Cherry Tomatoes
- 1 Pack Carrot Shreads
- Chicken Breasts
- 6 Chicken Breasts
- 3 Tbs Dept. of Sweet Diversions Apple Butter
- 4 Tbs Honey BBQ Sauce or Honey
- 1 Sprig of Rosemary
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- Honey-Apple Vinaigrette Dressing
- 3/4 Cup Honey
- 3/4 Cup Olive Oil
- 1/4 Cup Apple Cider Vinegar
- 2 Tsp Salt
- 2 Tsp Pepper
Instructions:
- Slice your chicken into strips a few hours before dinner.
- Marinate the chicken strips in a ziploc bag with your Apple Butter, honey BBQ sauce or honey, about a 1/4 cup of water, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Refrigerate until you’re ready to cook.
- Combine your salad ingredients, slicing your tomatoes into halves.
- Cook the chicken in a skillet, slathering it with the marinade throughout the cooking process.
- Prepare the Honey Apple Vinaigrette Dressing by combining all the ingredients in a bowl. Whisk until well combined.
- Assemble the salad by topping it with the cooked chicken and dressing.
- Enjoy your delicious Apple Butter Chicken Salad!
Additional Tips:
For an added crunch and a burst of flavor, consider adding walnuts and apple slices to your salad.
Discover More from Dept. of Sweet Diversions
The Dept. of Sweet Diversions offers much more than just Apple Butter. They have a vast array of other flavors of jams and spreads. They even offer a mystery box, gift set, and an ornament, making it easy to find the perfect gift for any foodie in your life.
Get Your Apple Butter Today!
Ready to try out this delicious Apple Butter for yourself? You can purchase it online. Don’t forget to follow them on Facebook and Twitter for the latest updates and new product announcements.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the| Department of Sweet Diversions Products | Description |
|—————————————-|———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————–|
| Jams | Made in small batches using traditional techniques, the jams feature seasonal ingredients. Some flavors include strawberries mixed with the smoldering orange-tinged notes of Grand Marnier and the smooth taste of Bartlett pears with luxurious acacia honey and fresh ginger. |
| Apple Butter | The Apple Butter is flavorful and can be used in a variety of dishes. It was used in the Dept. of Sweet Diversions Apple Butter Chicken Salad with a Honey Apple Dressing which was a hit. |
| Mystery Box | A box containing a variety of the Department of Sweet Diversions products. An ideal gift for foodies. |
| Gift Set | A set of selected Department of Sweet Diversions products. A perfect gift for any special occasion. |
| Ornament | A unique Department of Sweet Diversions ornament. A fun and festive addition to any holiday decor. |
| Apple Butter Chicken Salad | A fresh and flavorful salad made with Dept. of Sweet Diversions Apple Butter & a little Rosemary on chicken piled on top of a fresh salad with a Honey Apple Dressing. The salad ingredients include lettuce, spinach, cherry tomatoes, carrot shreds, chicken breasts, honey BBQ sauce or honey, rosemary, salt, and pepper. The dressing is a honey-apple vinaigrette. Optional add-ons include walnuts and apple slices. |
The History of Apple Butter
Apple butter has a rich history dating back to the Middle Ages. Originating from Belgium and the Netherlands, it was a way to preserve apples during the harvest season. The term “butter” refers to its thick, spreadable consistency and not to any dairy content. In America, apple butter became popular among the Pennsylvania Dutch in the 18th century and is still a beloved fall tradition in many parts of the country. Its rich, caramelized flavor and smooth texture make it a favorite spread for toast, biscuits, and even as a flavoring for baked goods and savory dishes.
Apple Butter: A Versatile Ingredient
One of the best things about apple butter is its versatility. It can be used in a variety of dishes, both sweet and savory. It’s a popular spread for breakfast items like muffins, pancakes, and waffles. It can also be used as a glaze or marinade for meats, adding a sweet and tangy flavor to pork, chicken, and even fish. It’s also a delicious addition to baked goods, adding moisture and a rich apple flavor to cakes, cookies, and pies. In fact, some bakers prefer apple butter to applesauce for its deeper flavor and smoother consistency.
How to Make Homemade Apple Butter
Making apple butter at home is a simple and rewarding process. All you need are apples, sugar, and spices. The apples are first cooked down into a sauce, then pureed until smooth. This is then cooked slowly, allowing the sugars in the apples to caramelize and the flavors to intensify. The result is a thick, sweet, and tangy spread that’s perfect for spreading on toast, stirring into oatmeal, or using in a variety of recipes.
Ingredients:
- 10 lbs of apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 4 cups sugar
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon cloves
Instructions:
- Place the apples in a large pot and add enough water to just cover the bottom of the pot.
- Cook the apples over medium heat until they are soft and cooked down into a sauce. This should take about 20-30 minutes.
- Puree the apples using an immersion blender or by transferring the sauce to a blender or food processor.
- Return the pureed apples to the pot and add the sugar and spices. Stir to combine.
- Cook the apple butter over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it is thick and caramelized. This can take several hours, so be patient!
- Once the apple butter is thick and dark in color, it’s ready. You can store it in jars in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, or can it for longer storage.
Health Benefits of Apple Butter
Apple butter is not just delicious, it’s also packed with nutrients. It’s a good source of vitamin C and fiber, thanks to the apples. It also contains a small amount of iron. The spices used in apple butter, such as cinnamon and cloves, have their own health benefits. Cinnamon has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, while cloves are known for their antiseptic and antibacterial properties. However, keep in mind that apple butter does contain sugar, so it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Apple Butter vs. Applesauce
While apple butter and applesauce are both made from apples, they are quite different. Applesauce is a sauce made from apples, sugar (optional), and water, and it’s typically chunky and light in color. On the other hand, apple butter is cooked much longer, allowing the sugars in the apples to caramelize. This results in a darker, thicker spread with a much deeper flavor. So, while both are delicious, they offer different tastes and textures.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a seasoned cook looking for new flavors to incorporate into your dishes or a food lover wanting to try something different, apple butter is a versatile and delicious ingredient worth exploring. From its rich history to its countless uses in cooking and baking, there’s so much to love about apple butter. So, why not give it a try?
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Apple Butter?
Apple Butter is a type of preserve made from apples. It’s made by cooking down the apples with sugar and spices until it forms a thick, concentrated spread that has a deep, rich flavor.
2. How is the Apple Butter from Dept. of Sweet Diversions made?
The Apple Butter from Dept. of Sweet Diversions is made using traditional techniques and local, organic, and/or sustainably grown fruit, sourced mostly from farmers’ markets within a 12-mile radius of their kitchen.
3. Can Apple Butter be used in cooking?
Yes, Apple Butter can be used in a variety of dishes to add a unique, flavorful twist. For instance, it can be used as a marinade for chicken, as demonstrated in the Apple Butter Chicken Salad recipe.
4. Where can I purchase the Apple Butter from Dept. of Sweet Diversions?
You can purchase the Apple Butter from Dept. of Sweet Diversions online on their website. They also offer a variety of other flavors of jams and spreads.
5. Does Dept. of Sweet Diversions offer any other products?
Yes, apart from Apple Butter, Dept. of Sweet Diversions offers a wide array of other flavors of jams and spreads. They also have a mystery box, gift set, and an ornament that make perfect gifts for foodies.
6. How can I stay updated on the latest products and announcements from Dept. of Sweet Diversions?
You can stay updated on the latest products and announcements from Dept. of Sweet Diversions by following them on Facebook and Twitter.
7. Is the Apple Butter from Dept. of Sweet Diversions gluten-free?
While the product description does not specifically mention if the Apple Butter is gluten-free, it’s always best to check the product label or contact the manufacturer directly for the most accurate information.
8. Can I use the Apple Butter as a substitute for regular butter in my recipes?
While Apple Butter has a different flavor profile than regular butter, it can be used as a substitute in some recipes. However, it’s important to note that the taste and texture of your dish may change as a result.
9. What is the shelf life of the Apple Butter from Dept. of Sweet Diversions?
For the most accurate information regarding the shelf life of the Apple Butter, it’s best to refer to the product label or contact Dept. of Sweet Diversions directly.
10. Can the Apple Butter be used in sweet dishes?
Yes, Apple Butter can be used in a variety of sweet dishes such as pancakes, waffles, and pastries, adding a rich, apple flavor to the dish.
