Alright, folks, let's dive into the delicious world of apples! I'm going to walk you through a few different ways to prepare these fantastic fruits – from a simple, comforting stew to elegant baked apples, and even a quick fried treat. Consider this your apple-licious masterclass! And remember, these are just starting points - feel free to experiment with your favourite spices and additions!
Stewed Apples: Cozy Comfort in a Bowl
First up, classic stewed apples. Think warm, fuzzy feelings on a chilly autumn evening. Perfect for those blustery autumn days when you just want something simple and comforting.
Prep the Apples
Grab your apples – any kind will do, but Honeycrisps are a personal favourite for this recipe. Granny Smiths also work well, offering a nice tartness that balances the sweetness. Peel them. Chopping tip: quarter them, then core and dice into bite-sized pieces. Don't worry about perfection; roughly even pieces ensure even cooking. Aim for pieces about 1-inch square.
Simmering in the Saucepan
In a large saucepan on the stove, combine your diced apples, a splash of apple juice (for extra flavour!), a generous sprinkle of sugar, a dash of cinnamon (a must!), and a pinch of salt (it really brings out the sweetness!). Maple syrup can also substitute the sugar, especially if you like a deeper, richer flavour. Stir until the sugar dissolves, then bring to a boil over high heat. If you prefer a less sweet version, water works just fine instead of apple juice. I usually use about 1/4 cup of liquid for every 4 apples.
Low and Slow Cooking
Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the saucepan, and let those apples simmer until tender, about 25-45 minutes depending on the size of your pieces and the type of apple you're using. Firmer apples like Granny Smiths will take longer. Stir occasionally for even cooking and to prevent sticking.
Rest and Serve
Once soft, remove from heat and let them sit for 5-10 minutes. This allows the flavours to meld and cool slightly before serving. Stewed apples are fantastic on their own, but also pair beautifully with vanilla ice cream, custard, or even a dollop of Greek yogurt. I sometimes sprinkle a little granola on top for added texture.
Baked Apples: A Sweet and Hearty Treat
Let's kick things up a notch with baked apples. A bit more involved, but totally worth it! This is a classic dessert that's surprisingly easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser, especially around the holidays.
The Apple Prep
Wash your apples – Golden Delicious, Jonagold, or Rome Beauty are excellent choices for baking. These hold their shape well and don't turn to mush in the oven. Cut off the tops and core them, leaving about ½ inch at the bottom intact for stability. Use a melon baller or spoon to create a hole about an inch wide.
A Little Score
To prevent bursting, gently score the apple skin with a sharp knife a few times around the top, middle, and bottom. This allows steam to escape during baking.
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Flavor Bomb
Combine brown sugar and cinnamon in a bowl. Feeling fancy? Add some chopped pecans or raisins. Dried cranberries also add a nice tartness, and a pinch of nutmeg can really enhance the flavour profile. A little bit of rolled oats provides a nice, chewy texture to the filling.
Stuff 'Em
Distribute the sugar mixture evenly among the apples (about a tablespoon per apple). Don't overstuff them, as the filling will expand during baking.
Butter Magic
The secret ingredient: a cube of butter on top of each apple. As it melts, it creates a luscious sauce. If you're watching your dairy intake, you can use a plant-based butter substitute or even a drizzle of maple syrup.
Baking Time
Place the apples in a baking dish, adding enough hot water to cover the bottom (about ¼ inch). This prevents burning and creates a delicious sauce. Bake for 30-45 minutes, or until tender. The apples are done when you can easily pierce them with a fork.
Cool and Enjoy
Let them cool slightly before serving. Pro tip: Baste with the delicious juices from the bottom of the dish! These are best served warm, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Fried Apples: A Simple Delight
Don't forget the simple pleasure of fried apples – perfect for breakfast or a quick dessert! This is a great way to use up apples that are a little past their prime, and it's ready in minutes.
Apple Prep for Frying
Wash and peel your apples. Then, core and slice them into rings, wedges, or ½-inch thick slices. Slices work best for even cooking.
Melt the Butter
Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat, swirling to coat evenly. Real butter is key here for the best flavour.
Sweetening the Deal
Stir in sugar and cinnamon (brown sugar adds a richer flavour). I like to add a pinch of nutmeg for an extra warm and comforting flavour.
Frying to Perfection
Add apple slices and cook over medium-high heat for 5-8 minutes, flipping frequently until golden brown and tender. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan, or the apples will steam instead of fry. If necessary, cook them in batches.
Serve Warm
Remove the apples (using a slotted spoon if you prefer not to include the extra sauce) and serve immediately. Fried apples are delicious served over pancakes, waffles, or French toast. They're also great as a side dish with pork chops or sausages.
Microwaved Baked Apples: A Speedy Dessert
For a quick and easy treat, try microwaved baked apples. This is perfect when you're short on time but craving something sweet and satisfying.
Hollowing and Mixing
Cut off the tops of two apples and core them, leaving ½ inch at the bottom. Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of nutmeg in a bowl.
Filling Time
Fill each apple with about a tablespoon of the sugar mixture.
Butter and Steam
Top each apple with a cube of butter. Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap. Make sure to leave a small vent in the plastic wrap to allow steam to escape.
Microwave Magic
Microwave for 3½-4 minutes (adjust as needed for your microwave). The apples are ready when they're tender. The cooking time will vary depending on the size and variety of the apples.
Patience (and Caution!)
Let the apples rest for a few minutes after microwaving. Carefully remove the plastic wrap—watch out for steam!—and let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy! These are delicious on their own or topped with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream. A sprinkle of chopped walnuts adds a nice crunch.
So, there you have it – four fantastic ways to enjoy the humble apple. Each recipe is easy to adapt to your own tastes and preferences, so don't be afraid to experiment. Happy cooking!