­

Why Did You Eat That: How Do You Like Them Apples?

By |November 22nd, 2011|Recipes, Why Did You Eat That?|



It seems like during this time of year pumpkins get all the attention.  Pumpkin pie, pumpkin lattes, pumpkin cupcakes… the list goes on and on and on.  Now, let’s be serious, I love pumpkins as much as the next gal, but sometimes you (and your sweet tooth) crave something a little different for dessert.  Boy, do I have a treat (literally) for you.  I stumbled upon a super easy, super delicious recipe for baked apples that will blow your mind.  Now, I am no pastry chef, but I can read directions.  At first, this recipe may seem daunting, but I promise it’s easier than pie (did you catch that one?).  It takes a bit of attention, so you are gonna have to get up during commercial breaks of Real Housewives of ______, but it will be well worth it.

 

Ingredients: 

For Baked Apples

  • 8 sweet apples, Gala or Fuji
  • Butter
  • 1/2 cup pecan pieces
  • 8 ounces mascarpone
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup raisins
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 orange, zest only
  • 1 cup apple cider
  • 1/4 cup brandy

For Crumble Top

  • 1 cup flour
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 3 ounces butter, cold

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Generously spread butter on a 9″ x 13″ baking tray.
  3. Slice top and bottoms of each apple to make level. Hollow apple with a core to remove stems and seeds. Cut skin in vertical or horizontal stripes to give a decorative look, if desired.
  4. Make crumble by combining flour, brown sugar, salt, and sugar in a mixer bowl. Cut butter into smaller pieces. Combine butter and dry ingredients until crumbly and sandy. Keep in refrigerator until needed. 
  5.  For the filling, mix mascarpone, brown sugar, dried fruit, salt, cinnamon and orange zest until combined. 
  6. Fill apples tightly with filling and place in buttered pan. 
  7. Top with crumble. Pack it well on top, cut portion of apple.
  8. Pour apple cider and brandy around the apples. 
  9. Bake for 1 hour 30 minutes.
  10. Baste apples with juice every 20 minutes.
  11. Allow to cool for 20 minutes before serving. Drizzle with cider and brandy baking liquid. 

Served with vanilla bean ice cream and perhaps a drizzle of caramel… Mind. Blowing.  So, seriously, how do you like them apples?

xx,
WhyDid