Rice-stuffed Baked Apples

Rice-Stuffed Baked Apples Recipe from USA - Ingredients and How to Make

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 60 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Rice-stuffed Baked Apples is a delicious and unique dish that combines the sweetness of baked apples with a savory rice stuffing. This recipe is perfect for a cozy fall or winter meal, and is sure to impress your family and friends.

History

The origins of Rice-stuffed Baked Apples are not entirely clear, but stuffed apples have been a popular dish in many cultures for centuries. This particular recipe likely originated in North America, where apples are a common and beloved fruit.

Ingredients

1 cup of uncooked rice
1 cup of water
0.75 cup of apple juice
6 large baking apples
0.75 cup of raisins
0.5 cup of fresh or frozen cranberries, chopped
0.5 cup of chopped dried apricots
0.5 cup of chopped pecans
0.25 cup of maple syrup
3 tbsp of brown sugar
1 tbsp of lemon juice
1.5 tsp of ground allspice
1 tsp of vanilla extract

How to prepare

Combine rice, water, and apple juice in a saucepan with a capacity of 2 to 3 qt (2.84 liters). Bring to a boil over high heat and stir once or twice.
Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Set aside.
Core the apples, leaving 1-0.5 inch walls and bottoms intact. Peel the top halves, if desired. Set aside.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, raisins, cranberries, apricots, pecans, syrup, brown sugar, lemon juice, allspice, and vanilla.
Stuff the apples with the rice mixture and place them in a shallow glass baking dish. Arrange the remaining rice mixture around the apples.
Cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F (177°C) for 50 to 60 minutes or until the apples are fork-tender.

Variations

For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free rice and ensure that all ingredients are gluten-free.
You can experiment with different types of dried fruits, nuts, or spices in the stuffing to create your own unique flavor combinations.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use baking apples, such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, for this recipe. These varieties hold their shape well when baked.

- If you prefer a sweeter dish, you can add more brown sugar or maple syrup to the rice stuffing.

- Feel free to customize the stuffing with your favorite dried fruits, nuts, or spices.

Serving Suggestions

Rice-stuffed Baked Apples can be served warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They also pair well with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Cooking Techniques

Baking is the primary cooking technique used in this recipe. The apples are stuffed with the rice mixture and baked until tender.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have apple juice, you can use water or apple cider as a substitute. You can also use different types of nuts or dried fruits in the stuffing.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the rice stuffing ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to stuff the apples and bake them.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Rice-stuffed Baked Apples on a decorative platter or individual plates for a beautiful presentation. You can garnish them with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a sprig of fresh mint.

Pairing Recommendations

Rice-stuffed Baked Apples pair well with a glass of apple cider, a cup of hot tea, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Rice-stuffed Baked Apples in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the microwave or oven before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Rice-stuffed Baked Apples contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Rice-stuffed Baked Apples contains approximately 50 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Rice-stuffed Baked Apples contains approximately 10 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Rice-stuffed Baked Apples contains approximately 3 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Rice-stuffed Baked Apples are a good source of vitamin C, fiber, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains nuts (pecans) and dried fruits (raisins, cranberries, apricots) which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Rice-stuffed Baked Apples are a nutritious and delicious dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. They are also rich in vitamins and minerals, making them a healthy choice for a dessert or snack.

Summary

Rice-stuffed Baked Apples are a delightful and flavorful dish that is perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in. This recipe is easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy the sweet and savory flavors of this unique dish!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately captivated. It was a cool autumn day, and I was browsing through an old cookbook that had been passed down to me from my own grandmother. As I turned the pages, a picture of golden baked apples stuffed with fragrant rice caught my eye. The recipe was simple yet intriguing, and I knew I had to try it.

I had never made anything quite like it before, but I was determined to give it a go. I gathered all the ingredients I needed – apples, rice, cinnamon, sugar, and butter – and got to work in the kitchen. As I peeled and cored the apples, the sweet scent of cinnamon filled the air, making my mouth water in anticipation.

I cooked the rice with a touch of cinnamon and sugar until it was tender and fragrant, then carefully stuffed each apple with the mixture. A dollop of butter on top added a touch of richness that I knew would make the dish truly special.

As the apples baked in the oven, the intoxicating aroma filled my kitchen, and I couldn't wait to taste the final result. When I pulled them out, the apples were golden and glistening, the rice inside cooked to perfection. I took a bite, and the flavors exploded in my mouth – sweet, spicy, and comforting all at once.

I knew I had stumbled upon something truly special, a recipe that would become a favorite in my household for years to come. And so, the rice-stuffed baked apples became a regular feature on our autumn menu, a dish that never failed to delight and comfort.

As time went on, I shared the recipe with friends and family, who all marveled at its unique flavor and simplicity. Some even started making it themselves, adding their own twists and variations to suit their tastes. And thus, the recipe took on a life of its own, spreading from kitchen to kitchen, each cook adding their own flair to make it truly their own.

Over the years, I have made the rice-stuffed baked apples countless times, each batch a little different from the last. Sometimes I add a sprinkle of nuts for crunch, or a drizzle of caramel for extra sweetness. But no matter how I choose to make them, the apples always bring a sense of warmth and nostalgia to my table, a reminder of the simple joys of home cooking.

And so, as I pass this recipe on to you, my dear grandchild, I hope you will find as much joy and comfort in making it as I have. May these rice-stuffed baked apples become a beloved tradition in your own kitchen, a taste of family and love that will endure for generations to come. Enjoy, and happy cooking!