A question about a recipe: Cider Brined Pork with Calvados, Mustard and Thyme

I have a question about step 4 on the recipe "Cider Brined Pork with Calvados, Mustard and Thyme" from Oui, Chef.

What can you sub for calvados? Red wine? Bourbon? Obviously these are different, but they're what I have on hand generally...

It says:

"Pour off excess oil, and deglaze the pan with the calvados over medium heat , scraping the bottom of the pan well, letting the brandy reduce to a glaze. Add 2 tablespoons butter to the skillet over medium heat and add the shallots and thyme, and sauté 2 minutes. Stir in cream and cider; boil until mixture thickens to sauce consistency, about 3 minutes. Stir in mustard, season with salt and pepper, remove from heat and serve with the pork.
"

erinrae
  • Posted by: erinrae
  • November 2, 2011
  • 3476 views
  • 3 Comments
Cider Brined Pork with Calvados, Mustard and Thyme
Recipe question for: Cider Brined Pork with Calvados, Mustard and Thyme

3 Comments

AntoniaJames
AntoniaJames November 4, 2011
I used Clear Creek Apple Brandy, which does not have the rather musty notes you find in many a French Calvados. It was fantastic! I actually think though that a touch of bourbon added with some reduced (1 cup down to 1/4 cup) natural, unpasteurized apple cider would be nice in this recipe. In fact, I plan to do it that way, just for fun, the next time I make these (which I hope will be soon!!) ;o)
 
Oui, C.
Oui, C. November 3, 2011
Calvados is ideal because it is distilled from apple cider, but you could easily use a cognac or brandy which are both distilled from grapes as they have a similar fruit driven sweetness to them.
 
lorigoldsby
lorigoldsby November 2, 2011
The calvados is going to have a fruity/brandy finish...if you are trying to avoid the alcohol, try apple cider.
 
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