Balsamic/Apple Reduction

On Sunday afternoons, what my brain most thinks about is a long nap, not Sunday dinner. I try to keep things simple on Sunday. Today, I pulled out a couple of cheats.

*DISCLAIMER* As a foodie, I know I'm supposed to cook fresh and from
scratch. As a mom, a very pregnant lady, and a very tired person, I'm letting
you in on my secret. I cheat sometimes.

Today, my cheats included a George Foreman grill and a packet of Knorr sauce. Knorr sauces aren't like other prepackaged sauces. They're -- in my opinion -- more homemade tasting, richer in flavor, and worth the $1.19 you pay per package.
Another sauce I consider a "cheat" because it's so easy is a balsamic reduction. It literally takes minutes and mere pennies worth of ingredients, yet it enhances any meal. For example, today's meal:

First, I threw some thin pork sirloin on the GFG with a little kosher salt. Second, I put about 3/4 cup balsamic vinegar in a sauce pan with about a cup of apple juice and put it on medium high heat. Next, I threw a box of whole wheat shells to boil. While that was going, I mixed up a packet of Knorr sauce, creamy pesto (my fave). I follow the directions but add about half a cup of milk more than it says, to stretch it out some.

Then I prepared a quick cucumber and tomato salad. When I was done with that, I took the pork off the grill, then threw some frozen peas at the bottom of a colander (about a cup). Then I tossed the al dente pasta on the peas and rinsed it well. A simple toss of the pasta, peas, and pesto together made and easy side dish.

By the time all that was done, the reduction was at a nice, thick syrup. It should be a little runnier than hershey's chocolate syrup to be just right. I drizzled it over the pork and served up a quick, delicious meal.

A good balsamic reduction is very sweet, believe it or not. I've seen it used on fruit for dessert, on crepes, and on nearly anything you can imagine. My preference is over meat, because it is a very rich taste and complimentary to red meat and poultry alike.

Give it a try sometime.