Apples with Wine Sauce Recipe from Ukraine

Apples with Wine Sauce

Apples with Wine Sauce Recipe from Ukraine
Region / culture: Ukraine | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 6

Introduction

Apples with Wine Sauce
Apples with Wine Sauce

Apples with Wine Sauce is a classic dessert that combines the natural sweetness of apples with the rich, complex flavors of a white wine sauce. This dish is perfect for those who appreciate the harmony of fruit and wine in their desserts. It's a sophisticated yet simple recipe that can elevate any dining experience, making it ideal for special occasions or a luxurious end to a casual meal.

History

The origins of Apples with Wine Sauce can be traced back to European cuisine, where wine has been a staple ingredient in cooking for centuries. This recipe is a testament to the creativity of cooks who aimed to use local ingredients to create dishes that were both delicious and elegant. Over time, it has evolved, with variations appearing in different cultures, but the essence of the recipe—apples poached or baked in a wine-infused sauce—remains beloved by many.

Ingredients

Sauce

How to prepare

  1. Peel the apples and remove the core by hollowing out the stem.
  2. Fill the hollowed-out core with sugar and bake in a preheated oven until the apples are tender (you can easily cut them with a fork).
  3. For the sauce:
  4. In a separate bowl, beat the egg yolks with sugar and vanilla, then add hot wine.
  5. (Warning: Do not double the recipe unless you have a large bowl).
  6. Place the bowl with the sauce in a pan of hot water and whisk until it thickens.
  7. Serve the cooled-down apples with the sauce.

Variations

  • Red Wine Sauce: Substitute the white wine with a dry red wine for a deeper, more robust flavor.
  • Spiced Apples: Add cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to the apples before baking for a spiced version of the dessert.
  • Vegan Version: Use a plant-based egg substitute for the sauce and adjust the sweetness with maple syrup instead of sugar.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure your Apples with Wine Sauce turn out perfectly, consider the following tips:

- Choose firm apples that can hold their shape during baking. Varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are excellent choices.

- Be careful when adding the hot wine to the egg yolks to avoid curdling. Gradually temper the yolks by adding a small amount of wine at a time.

- For a smoother sauce, strain it through a fine mesh sieve to remove any egg yolk lumps.

- If you prefer a less sweet dessert, adjust the amount of sugar according to your taste.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Apples with Wine Sauce either warm or chilled, depending on your preference. Garnishing with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a dollop of whipped cream can add an extra layer of flavor and texture to the dish.

Cooking Techniques

Baking the apples ensures they are soft and tender, while preparing the sauce over a double boiler helps achieve a smooth, thick consistency without curdling the eggs.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a non-alcoholic version, replace the wine with white grape juice mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice.

- Use a sugar substitute to lower the calorie content of the dessert.

Make Ahead Tips

The apples can be baked ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat them gently before serving and prepare the sauce fresh for the best taste and texture.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the apples on individual plates with the sauce generously poured over. A sprig of mint or a sprinkle of powdered sugar can add a touch of elegance to the presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

A glass of the same wine used in the sauce can complement the flavors of the dessert beautifully. Alternatively, a cup of strong coffee or tea can provide a delightful contrast to the sweetness of the dish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a little water if the sauce has thickened too much.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A serving of Apples with Wine Sauce contains approximately 400 calories. The majority of these calories come from the sugar and wine, making it a high-calorie dessert option.

Carbohydrates

This dessert is relatively high in carbohydrates, primarily from the sugar and apples. A single serving contains approximately 60 grams of carbohydrates. Those monitoring their carbohydrate intake should enjoy this dish in moderation.

Fats

The fat content in this recipe comes mainly from the egg yolks used in the sauce. A serving of Apples with Wine Sauce contains about 10 grams of fat, most of which is unsaturated fat from the yolks.

Proteins

Each serving of this dessert provides around 5 grams of protein, coming from the egg yolks. While not a high-protein dish, it contributes to the overall nutritional balance of the meal.

Vitamins and minerals

Apples are a good source of vitamin C and dietary fiber, while egg yolks offer vitamins D, E, and B12, along with minerals like selenium and phosphorus. This dish, therefore, contributes to your daily intake of these essential nutrients.

Alergens

The primary allergens in this recipe are eggs. Those with egg allergies or sensitivities should avoid this dish or find suitable substitutions for the sauce.

Summary

While Apples with Wine Sauce is a delicious and elegant dessert, it is high in sugars and calories. It provides some nutritional benefits, such as vitamins and minerals from the apples and egg yolks, but should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Summary

Apples with Wine Sauce is a timeless dessert that combines the simplicity of baked apples with the sophistication of a wine-infused sauce. While indulgent, it can be a delightful treat for special occasions or as a luxurious finish to a meal. With options for customization and adjustments for dietary needs, this recipe can be enjoyed by many.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is one that will always stay with me. It was a warm summer day, and I had just finished baking a batch of my famous apple pie. As I was cleaning up the kitchen, I came across an old, tattered recipe card that had been tucked away in a forgotten drawer. The title on the card read "Apples with Wine Sauce."

I couldn't remember where I had gotten the recipe from, but I was intrigued. I had never made anything like it before, but the combination of apples and wine sounded delicious. I decided to give it a try, and I'm so glad I did. It quickly became a family favorite, and I've been making it ever since.

As I began to gather the ingredients for the dish, memories flooded back to me. I remembered the first time I made it for my husband, who was so impressed with the flavors and textures. I remembered the time I made it for my grandchildren, who couldn't get enough of the sweet and tangy sauce. And I remembered all the friends and neighbors who had requested the recipe after trying it at one of my dinner parties.

The secret to the recipe, I soon discovered, was in the quality of the ingredients. I always made sure to use the freshest, juiciest apples I could find, and a good bottle of red wine for the sauce. The combination of the tart apples and the rich, savory sauce was a match made in heaven.

To make the dish, I would start by peeling and slicing the apples, then sautéing them in butter until they were soft and golden. I would then add the wine, along with a sprinkle of sugar and a pinch of cinnamon, and let it simmer until the sauce had thickened and the flavors had melded together.

The aroma that filled my kitchen as the apples cooked was intoxicating. The sweet, fruity scent of the apples mingled with the rich, earthy aroma of the wine, creating a mouthwatering combination that made my stomach growl with anticipation.

Once the sauce was ready, I would spoon it over the apples and serve the dish warm, with a dollop of whipped cream on top. The contrast of the warm, tender apples with the cool, creamy cream was a delightful sensation, and the flavors melded together in a symphony of tastes and textures.

Every time I made the dish, it brought back memories of that warm summer day when I had discovered the recipe. It reminded me of the joy of cooking and the pleasure of sharing a delicious meal with loved ones. And it reinforced my belief that food has the power to bring people together, to create memories, and to nourish both body and soul.

As I sit here now, writing down the recipe for future generations to enjoy, I can't help but smile. The apples with wine sauce may have been a chance discovery, but it has become a cherished part of my culinary repertoire, a dish that brings me joy every time I make it. And I hope that it will bring joy to others as well, as they gather around the table to savor its delicious flavors and create new memories of their own.

Categories

| Apple Recipes | Egg Yolk Recipes | Slavic Recipes | Ukrainian Desserts | Ukrainian Recipes | White Wine Recipes |

Recipes with the same ingredients