Apple Cole Slaw

 

I know cole slaw is an american staple with BBQ and usually comes in a little white paper cup on the side of meals.  Sometimes it is a creamy throw away mess and sometimes it is good.  I actually do not like typical American Cole Slaw.  However years ago I made BBQ Pulled Pork in the crock pot and figured that some homemade cole slaw with it would be great.  Last night I made BBQ Chicken in the crock pot. (Chicken Breast, Onions, BBQ Sauce, and a little stock...cook until chicken is cook and pull chicken with a fork...very easy)  This is a little different take on Cole Slaw because it has the addition of apples.  You can make it with more vinegar or more sugar depending on how you like yours to taste.  This makes a nice size bowl for a family of 6-8, but you are more than welcome to adjust any of the ingredients for the amount that you like or want.

Apple Cole Slaw

1 Each                   Cabbage, regular Green or Napa

1 Each                   Red Bell Pepper

2 Each                   Carrots, Peeled

1 Each                   Granny Smith Apple

3 Each                   Scallions

1/2 Cup                 Mayo

2-3 Tablespoons     Apple Cider Vinegar

1/4 Cup                 White or Brown Sugar, or Honey

1. Cut cabbage, red pepper, and carrots into thin ribbons.  I used The Pampered Chef Julienne Peeler for the carrots and it worked great.  Cut the scallion at an angle to get nice thin slices of just the tops. If you want more onion flavor you can add the stronger tasting white bottoms.

2. Core the apple and divide into quarters.  Slice two of the quarters thinly and cut in half again if too long.  Grate the other two pieces over a coarse cheese grater. This will get some apple in your slaw as well as juice for added flavor.  If you don't have a grater you can just cut the whole apple into slices.

3.  Add the vinegar, mayo, and sugar.  Stir every hour or so for a while.  This needs to sit at least a good 6 hours or overnight to really start to meld the flavors and soften the cabbage a bit.  You will have a lot of liquid in the bottom of the bowl but that is why you need to keep stirring to spread it around.  Keep tasting it as well. Add more may if you want more creaminess.  More vinegar if you want more acidic taste.  More sugar if you want sweeter.  A little salt and pepper is a nice touch too if you want.  Serve on your favorite BBQ sandwiches or on side with your favorite meal.  Enjoy!