Nice Spiced Apples

Nice Spiced Apples Recipe - Golden Raisins, Red Wine, Nuts, and More

Preparation time: 45 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Nice Spiced Apples is a delicious and comforting dessert that is perfect for the fall season. This recipe combines the sweetness of apples with the warm flavors of cinnamon, orange, and nuts. It is a simple and easy dessert that is sure to impress your family and friends.

History

The origins of spiced apples can be traced back to early American colonial times when apples were a common fruit grown in orchards. The combination of apples with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg was a popular way to enjoy this fruit in a dessert. Over the years, different variations of spiced apples have emerged, with each cook adding their own twist to the recipe.

Ingredients

Apple Dessert Recipe

0.25 cup of golden raisins
0.5 cup of dry red wine or red grape juice
0.25 cup of chopped nuts
2 tbsp of sugar
0.5 tsp of grated orange peel
0.5 tsp of cinnamon
4 cooking apples
1 tbsp of butter
1 cup of water

How to prepare

Soak raisins in wine or grape juice for 30 minutes.
Drain, reserving wine or juice.
Combine raisins, nuts, sugar, orange rind, and cinnamon.
Core apples, cutting to, but not through, the bottoms so filling won't fall through.
Pare the top third of each apple.
Place each apple on a large square of aluminum foil (large enough to completely wrap an apple).
Fill the centers with the raisin mixture.
Divide a tablespoon of butter into 4 pieces and top each apple with one piece.
Wrap the foil around the apple, pinching firmly together at the top.
Set the cooking rack in the cooker and pour in the reserved wine and 1 cup of water.
Place the apples on the rack.
Lock the lid and bring to full pressure.
Adjust the heat to maintain pressure and cook for 10 minutes.
Quick-release the pressure and remove the apples.
Unwrap and serve.

Variations

Add a sprinkle of nutmeg or cloves for extra warmth and spice.
Top the apples with a crumble topping made with oats, flour, butter, and brown sugar before baking.
Drizzle the apples with caramel sauce before serving for a decadent touch.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to core the apples properly so that the filling stays intact while cooking.

- Use a good quality cooking apple that holds its shape well, such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp.

- Adjust the sweetness of the filling according to your taste preferences.

- Serve the spiced apples warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a decadent treat.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the spiced apples with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a delicious and indulgent dessert.

Cooking Techniques

Pressure cooking

Ingredient Substitutions

Use dried cranberries or chopped dried apricots instead of golden raisins.

- Substitute chopped almonds or pecans for the chopped nuts.

- Use maple syrup or honey instead of sugar.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the filling for the spiced apples ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use. Assemble the apples just before cooking.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the spiced apples in individual bowls and garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the spiced apples with a hot cup of tea or coffee for a cozy and comforting dessert experience.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover spiced apples in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 200 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 32g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 6g per serving

Saturated Fat: 2g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 2g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin C: 8% of daily value per serving

Iron: 4% of daily value per serving

Alergens

Contains nuts

Summary

Nice Spiced Apples are a good source of carbohydrates and provide a moderate amount of fats and proteins. They also contain vitamin C and iron, making them a nutritious dessert option.

Summary

Nice Spiced Apples are a delicious and comforting dessert that is perfect for the fall season. This recipe is easy to make and can be customized with different spices and toppings. Serve the spiced apples warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat that is sure to impress.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time brings a smile to my face. It was a crisp autumn day, the leaves were beginning to turn shades of red and gold, and there was a chill in the air that hinted at the coming winter. I had just come back from a visit to the local farmer's market, where I had picked up a bag of fresh apples that were practically begging to be turned into something delicious.

As I unpacked my groceries, I noticed a small, weathered piece of paper tucked away in my recipe box. It was a handwritten note from my dear friend Margaret, who had passed away a few years earlier. She was a fantastic cook, always whipping up delicious meals and treats for her friends and family. The note read: "To my dear friend, I hope you enjoy this recipe for Nice Spiced Apples. It's been a favorite in my family for generations. Love, Margaret."

I felt a pang of sadness as I read her words, but also a sense of gratitude that I had known such a wonderful person. With a deep breath, I decided to honor Margaret's memory by trying out her recipe for Nice Spiced Apples.

I gathered the ingredients - apples, butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a splash of apple cider - and got to work in the kitchen. As I peeled and sliced the apples, the sweet smell of cinnamon and nutmeg filled the air, bringing back memories of cozy evenings spent by the fire with loved ones.

I followed Margaret's instructions carefully, sautéing the apples in butter and brown sugar until they were tender and caramelized, then adding the spices and cider to create a fragrant sauce that coated the fruit. The kitchen was warm and inviting, and I couldn't help but hum a little tune as I stirred the pot.

After a few minutes, the Nice Spiced Apples were ready to be served. I spooned them into a bowl and took a tentative bite, unsure of what to expect. But as soon as the flavors hit my tongue, I knew Margaret's recipe was a winner. The apples were tender and sweet, with a hint of warmth from the spices and cider. They were perfect on their own, but I couldn't resist topping them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.

As I savored each bite, I thought of Margaret and the joy she had brought to so many people through her cooking. I thought of all the times we had shared meals together, laughing and chatting over a table filled with delicious dishes. And I felt grateful for the gift she had left me in the form of this recipe for Nice Spiced Apples.

From that day on, Nice Spiced Apples became a staple in my kitchen. I made them for family gatherings, potlucks, and quiet evenings at home. Each time I cooked them, I felt Margaret's presence with me, guiding my hands and infusing the dish with love and memories.

And so, whenever I make Nice Spiced Apples, I am reminded of my dear friend Margaret and the bond we shared over a shared love of good food. Her recipe has become more than just a dish to me - it is a connection to the past, a reminder of the joys of friendship and the power of a simple, delicious meal to bring people together.

As I finish the last bite of my Nice Spiced Apples, I can't help but smile. Margaret may be gone, but her spirit lives on in every bite of this humble, comforting dish. And for that, I am eternally grateful.