15 Creative Ways to Use Leftover Apple Cider

Although I can't get enough of the sand and sun synonymous with summer, the second Labor Day passes, I start planning my yearly apple-picking trip. I've gone every year since I was in college, and it's a fall tradition I couldn't imagine forgoing. In my mind, fall isn't official until you've climbed into a colorful apple tree and brought home a 20-pound bounty. Oh, and let's not forget the giant jug of apple cider. That's a must-buy, too.

While apples (one of these top high fiber foods) can last a long time—up to two months—when stored inside a refrigerator crisper drawer, cider isn't quite as resistant to spoilage. Once opened, most fresh jugs will only last about two weeks, which can present some problems for those of us whose eyes are bigger than our stomachs.

If that sounds like a familiar dilemma, you've come to the right place. Over the years I've done a lot of research into what do with my overflowing stash of cider. And as it turns out, there are loads of festive ways to incorporate the drink into fall recipes you already know and love. Below, you'll find a handful of my favorites, along with some tips for picking the healthiest and tastiest cider. And after you've learned all there is to know about the bitter-sweet beverage, continue your culinary celebration of autumn with these 10 Fall Apple Recipes for Weight Loss.

Apple Cider 101

Not all apple ciders are created equal and not all jugs that don "apple cider" labels contain actual apple cider. According to the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources, cider is defined as "raw apple juice that has not undergone a filtration process to remove coarse particles of pulp or sediment." However, since the term isn't regulated in most states, companies can get away with calling apple juice a cider to loop in consumers who find the term 'apple cider' more appealing. Martinelli's, for example, openly admits on their site that they use the term solely as a marketing scheme.

From a health and taste perspective, though, the most important thing you should look for in a cider is a short ingredient list that's free of caramel coloring (one of these 23 Worst Food Additives in America) and added sugar. (As if the apples weren't sweet enough already!) Oh, and skip all those apple cider drink mixes and K-Cups (Lipton and Green Mountain both maker varieties), the fresh stuff from a farm is far too delicious to pass up. Not to mention, the fresh beverage is the only kind that provides any notable amounts of potassium, iron, vitamin C, or pectin, a gelatin-like fiber found in the cell walls of fruits that limit the amount of fat that human cells can absorb.

Another apple cider tip to keep in mind: Always be sure to pair this drink with a source of fiber or protein. (Scrambled eggs with Ezekiel bread, for example, is a meal that contains both nutrients. Many of the recipes below also fit the bill.) Although the sugar the drink contains is naturally occurring, since the drink is nearly completely void of protein or fiber, it can still spike your blood sugar and cause insulin spikes that can lead to hunger, cravings and weight gain.

Now, Some Creative Ways to Use the Leftovers…

Now that you know how to select the tastiest bottle of the stuff, it's time to learn the best ways to use up the yummy leftovers before they go bad…

Turn It Into a Dressing

If you already have a favorite dressing recipe that you think could benefit from a bit of apple flavor, you can easily nix the vinegar and replace it with an equal amount of reduced apple cider. (You can reduce the cider by boiling it in a small saucepan for about 12 to 15 minutes.) Alternatively, you can whip up our go-to recipe. To make it, you'll need 1 cup of unfiltered apple cider, 3 tablespoons of finely chopped shallots, 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, 2 teaspoons of grainy mustard, and 1/3 cup of olive oil. Reduce the cider until it yields about ⅓ of a cup, then whisk it together with the shallots, vinegar, and mustard, and oil. Add in some ground pepper and salt to taste for some added flavor.

Add it to Oatmeal

Not only is it packed with fiber, a nutrient that's been shown to improve health and accelerate weight loss, oatmeal is also one of the very best sources of resistant starch. A type of carbohydrate that digests slowly and triggers the release of appetite-suppressing digestive acids. Since it's such a powerful health food, we're constantly on the lookout for new ways to eat it. One idea we're planning to try this fall: apple cider oats. Making it is simple: you simply swap out the water or milk you typically use in your morning oats and use cider instead. If you're watching your sugar intake, you could even use a mixture comprised of 50 percent water or milk and 50 percent cider. Top off the concoction with chopped apples and cinnamon for some added flavor and texture. For even more creative and tasty oatmeal ideas, read up on these 50 Best Overnight Oats Recipes.

Use it In a Soup

Many people would say that the only thing better than eating apple-everything all season long is curling up on the couch with some hot soup. I'd disagree. I'd say that the best thing about fall is that you can do both at the same time. Yes, that's right, apple cider soup exists. And even though the idea of such a thing may be a bit unappetizing, I can assure you that it's quite the opposite. Here's how to make an onion and apple cider soup:

What You'll Need

•4 tablespoons unsalted, grass-fed butter
•3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
•5 large onions, thinly sliced
•3 cups low-sodium beef broth
•2 cups apple cider
•12 large thyme sprigs

How To Make It

Step 1

Melt the butter and oil in large pot over medium-high heat. Add onions and sauté for about 20 minutes or until they soften and brown.

Step 2

Add beef broth, apple cider, and thyme sprigs. After the mixture has come to a boil, reduce the heat and season with salt and pepper.

Step 3

Simmer the soup, uncovered for about 25 minutes.

Step 4

Discard thyme sprigs before serving.

Yields five to six servings

Make a Smoothie With It

What do you get when you blend a ½ cup of plain Greek yogurt with a ¾ cup of apple cider, apple slices, nutmeg, cinnamon, maple syrup and ice? One of the most festive fall smoothies of all time! Give this simple, protein-filled recipe a try to mix-up your morning breakfast routine and start your day off on the right foot.

Make Baked Chicken

If you typically come home from the office to a house full of hungry people begging for dinner, this baked chicken recipe is for you. All you need is 10 minutes in the morning to prep the chicken marinade, and then all the flavors mingle together in the fridge while you're out. Once you're home you just slice up the veggies and pop everything in the oven. You can get your hands on the recipe at Gimme Some Oven.

Make Fall-Themed Pulled Pork

Here at Eat This, Not That! we love healthy crock pot recipes because all you have to do is fill 'er up and press 'cook' to create a healthy meal. It's beyond simple. And if you were to ask anyone who's made pulled pork at home, they'll tell you that using a crock pot is one of the best ways to get a tender, juicy and flavorful final product. To make your go-to recipe fall-ready, replace the primary basting liquid with apple cider. Lack culinary creativity? Follow our full recipe below.

What You'll Need

•3 pounds pork shoulder
•1 medium onion, sliced
•2 cups apple cider
•4 tbsp low-sugar barbecue sauce (we like Stubb's Original Bar-B-Q Sauce)
•½ cup organic ketchup
•¼ cup brown sugar
•1½ tsp.cumin
•1½ tsp.paprika
•1½ tsp.garlic powder
•Salt and pepper to taste