Apple Mashed Potatoes with Caramelized Onion Cider Gravy

Apples and apple cider add a wonderful sweetness to simple mashed potatoes.  Wonderful with a pork roast or chops!

Serves 4 to 6

For the potatoes

4  1/2 cups peeled and cubed Yukon Gold potatoes( one inch cubes)
1 large granny Smith apple, peeled cored and cut into one inch cubes
Water
1 cup apple cider
1/2 cup half and half
3 Tbl butter
5 or 6 gratings nutmeg
Salt and white pepper to taste

Place the cubed apple and potatoes in a 4 quart pot, cover with water and add the cup of apple cider. Bring to a boil and simmer until the potatoes are fork tender.
Drain the apples and potatoes and then start mashing or ricing.  Add the butter and half and half and keep mashing until the mixture is smooth. Stir in the nutmeg and add salt and white pepper to taste.

For the gravy

3 Tbl butter
1 large sweet onion, quartered and then thinly sliced
1 tsp granulated sugar
2 sprigs fresh thyme
3 Tbl all purpose flour
1 cup apple cider
1 cup chicken broth
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper

In a large saute pan, melt the butter and add the sliced onions, sugar and thyme. saute on low heat until the onions turn golden.  This might take about 20 minutes.  Stir the mixture around a bit while you do this.
After the onions have caramelized, fish out the thyme sprigs and stir in the flour.  Continue to saute for another minute or to to incorporate the flour.
Stir in the cider, chicken broth, salt and pepper.  Bring up to a simmer and simmer until thickened. Serve the gravy over the apple mashed potatoes.