1924 Apples Allegretti

1924 Apples Allegretti Recipe with Nuts, Sugar, Vanilla, and Chocolate

Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 2 hours | Servings: 4

Introduction

The 1924 Apples Allegretti recipe is a delightful and elegant dessert that harks back to the early 20th century, offering a taste of the culinary elegance of that era. This recipe combines the tartness of apples with the sweetness of raisins, sugar, and chocolate to create a dessert that is not only visually appealing but also deliciously satisfying. It's a perfect example of how simple ingredients can be transformed into a sophisticated and decadent treat.

History

The Apples Allegretti recipe originates from the 1920s, a time known for its prosperity and the flourishing of arts and culture, including culinary arts. During this period, desserts were not just about taste but also presentation, and dishes like Apples Allegretti were a testament to this. The recipe was likely a favorite among those hosting dinner parties and social gatherings, offering a dessert that was both a feast for the eyes and the palate.

Ingredients

4 tart apples, uniformly sized and shaped
0.75 cup of chopped nuts and raisins
0.5 cup of cold water
1 cup of powdered sugar
lukewarm water
1 tsp of vanilla extract
1 square of unsweetened chocolate, melted

How to prepare

Wash and core the apples.
Place the apples in an oven-safe baking dish and cover them with cold water.
Bake the apples slowly at 250°F (121°C) until they become tender.
Make sure the apples retain their shape.
Fill the center of each apple with chopped nuts and raisins. Once the apples are done and cooled, prepare a frosting by combining powdered sugar, a little lukewarm water, and vanilla. Cover the apples with this frosting.
Once the frosting is cold and firm, coat the apples with melted chocolate.

Variations

For a twist on the traditional recipe, try substituting the raisins with dried cranberries or cherries for a different flavor profile. You can also experiment with different types of nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, for the filling.
For a twist on the traditional recipe, try filling the apples with a mixture of different dried fruits such as chopped apricots or cranberries in addition to the raisins. You can also experiment with different types of nuts or use white chocolate for the coating for a different flavor profile.
For a twist on the classic recipe, try using different types of nuts or dried fruits in the filling. Spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg can also be added to the frosting for an extra layer of flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure the apples retain their shape while baking, choose apples that are firm and not too ripe. Baking them slowly at a low temperature is key to keeping them tender yet intact. When making the frosting, add the lukewarm water gradually to the powdered sugar to achieve the right consistency—it should be smooth and spreadable but not too runny.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Apples Allegretti chilled to enhance the flavors and textures. They can be accompanied by a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent experience.

Cooking Techniques

Slow baking is crucial for this recipe to ensure the apples are cooked thoroughly without losing their shape. When melting the chocolate, use a double boiler or microwave in short bursts to avoid burning.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a healthier version, substitute the powdered sugar with a sugar alternative like stevia or use dark chocolate instead of unsweetened chocolate for a richer taste.

Make Ahead Tips

The apples can be baked and filled a day ahead. However, it's best to apply the frosting and chocolate coating on the day of serving to ensure they set properly and maintain their appearance.

Presentation Ideas

For an elegant presentation, place each apple on a small dessert plate and drizzle with a little extra melted chocolate or a sprinkle of powdered sugar. Garnish with a mint leaf for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Apples Allegretti pairs wonderfully with a glass of dessert wine or a cup of strong coffee. The sweetness of the dessert complements the bitterness of the coffee, creating a balanced and enjoyable experience.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Apples Allegretti in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 2 days. It's not recommended to reheat them, as the frosting and chocolate coating may melt and affect the texture.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Apples Allegretti contains approximately 300 calories. The bulk of these calories come from the carbohydrates in the sugar and apples, making it an energy-dense dessert.

Carbohydrates

A serving of Apples Allegretti contains approximately 60 grams of carbohydrates. The majority of these carbs come from the apples and powdered sugar, providing a quick source of energy.

Fats

This dessert is relatively low in fats, with about 5 grams per serving. The small amount of fat present comes primarily from the unsweetened chocolate used to coat the apples.

Proteins

Apples Allegretti offers a modest amount of protein, with roughly 2 grams per serving. This protein is derived mainly from the nuts and a small amount from the chocolate.

Vitamins and minerals

Apples are a good source of vitamin C and dietary fiber. Additionally, the nuts provide a dose of essential minerals like magnesium and potassium. Together, these ingredients make Apples Allegretti not just a treat for the taste buds but also beneficial for health.

Alergens

The primary allergens in this recipe include nuts and chocolate. Individuals with allergies to these ingredients should exercise caution or consider ingredient substitutions.

Summary

Apples Allegretti is a dessert that offers a balance of sweet and tart flavors, along with a modest nutritional profile. It's relatively low in fats and proteins but high in carbohydrates, making it an ideal treat for those looking for a quick energy boost.

Summary

The 1924 Apples Allegretti recipe is a testament to the culinary creativity of the past, offering a blend of flavors and textures that are both satisfying and elegant. With its rich history and simple yet sophisticated ingredients, this dessert is sure to impress at any gathering or special occasion.

How did I get this recipe?

I vividly recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe for 1924 Apples Allegretti. It was a warm summer day in 1945, and I was visiting my dear friend Margaret for our weekly afternoon tea. Margaret was a fabulous cook, and I always looked forward to trying out her latest creations.

As we sat at her kitchen table, sipping tea and nibbling on homemade scones, Margaret suddenly pulled out an old, yellowed recipe card from her recipe box. "I have something special to share with you today," she said with a mischievous glint in her eye.

She handed me the card, and as I read the title, "1924 Apples Allegretti," I felt a rush of excitement. The name alone sounded so elegant and sophisticated, like something you would find on the menu of a fancy French restaurant.

Margaret explained that she had come across the recipe while rummaging through her late grandmother's belongings. The recipe had been passed down through generations, and Margaret had never attempted to make it herself. She thought it would be the perfect challenge for us to tackle together.

The ingredients list was simple enough – apples, sugar, cinnamon, butter, and a touch of brandy – but the method was a bit more involved. The apples were to be peeled, cored, and sliced into thin rounds before being arranged in a baking dish. A mixture of sugar and cinnamon was then sprinkled over the top, and dollops of butter were placed strategically around the dish. Finally, a generous splash of brandy was drizzled over the whole thing before being baked to golden perfection.

Margaret and I set to work, peeling and slicing the apples with practiced ease. We chatted and laughed as we worked, the scent of cinnamon and apples filling the air. It felt like we were part of some secret society, unraveling the mysteries of this ancient recipe together.

As the dish baked in the oven, the kitchen filled with the tantalizing aroma of bubbling apples and butter. Margaret and I sat at the table, eagerly anticipating the moment when we would finally get to taste our creation.

When the timer finally dinged, we pulled the dish out of the oven and gazed at the golden, caramelized apples with awe. We scooped out generous portions onto our plates and took our first bites.

The flavors exploded in my mouth – the sweet, tender apples, the warm spices of cinnamon, and the rich, buttery goodness of the brandy. It was like nothing I had ever tasted before, a perfect harmony of sweet and savory that danced on my taste buds.

Margaret and I savored every bite, relishing in the joy of our culinary triumph. As we sat there, basking in the afterglow of our successful experiment, I knew that this recipe would become a treasured part of my own collection.

Over the years, I have made 1924 Apples Allegretti countless times, each batch just as delicious as the last. I have shared the recipe with friends and family, passing on the tradition of this timeless dish to the next generation.

And every time I make it, I am transported back to that warm summer day in 1945, sitting in Margaret's kitchen, surrounded by the laughter and love of a dear friend. That recipe card may be old and faded, but the memories it holds will always be fresh in my mind.