How to cook apples

[Kitchen Witch]

How to cook apples


Apples can be cooked using many methods. They can be cooked on their own and eaten as a side dish or added with other ingredients to create a main dish. Cooked apples go well with meats, such as ham, pork, and poultry. They are also added in many desserts and baked goods. There are many different recipes and methods used for cooking apples.


Baked Apples

There are many recipes and different techniques used to bake apples. The apples may be left whole, unpeeled, and cores removed, or they may have a portion peeled and skins left on the remainder. Some recipes will call for the apples to be cut in half first and then the cores removed. Generally the recipe will have some type of filling that is added to the cavity of the apple before baking. The filling may be as simple as butter and brown sugar or it may consist of a mixture of several ingredients, such as butter, sugar, brown sugar, syrup, honey, apple juice, water, cinnamon, nutmeg, dried fruit, and nuts.

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Remove the core from the apple. Score around the perimeter of the apple in several locations to prevent the skin form rupturing during baking. Place the apples in a baking dish with the blossom side down.

In the cavity of each cored apple place 1 tsp. of butter or margarine.

Pour 1/2 tbsp. of sugar on top of the butter in the cavity of the apples.

Bake for 50 to 60 minutes or until apples are tender when poked with a fork.

In a small bowl combine 1/4 cup of brown sugar, 2 tsp. of flour, 1/4 tsp. of cinnamon, and 2 tsp. of water. Stir until well blended.

Spoon mixture over the baked apples and place back in the oven for 10 to 15 minutes. Serve while still warm.



Fried Apples

Apples may be cut into rings, wedges, or slices for frying. They may also be peeled or unpeeled, depending on the recipe. Apples are generally fried in butter and either white sugar or brown sugar, which helps them keep their shape. Some recipes will call for other ingredients, such as cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, egg, and water. Sausage and bacon grease are also used in place of butter in some recipes when frying apples. The recipe below makes a side dish of fried apples that goes well with ham or pork.

Peel four cooking apples. Cut apples in half and then into quarters.

Remove the cores from each of the quarter sections.

Cut quartered sections into slices 3/8 to 1/2 inch thick.

Place slices in water with lemon juice to prevent browning. Do not over soak slices.

Drain the apples and pat dry with paper towels before adding to the skillet.
Melt 2 tbsp. of butter or margarine in a large skillet until bubbling. Add apple slices.
Cook apples over medium high heat for approximately 5 minutes or until tender crisp and beginning to brown. Turn several times to brown evenly.
Add 4 tbsp. of brown sugar and continue to cook until sugar has melted and started to caramelize. Apple slices should be tender.
Serve as a side dish while still warm.



Cooking Applesauce

Applesauce is a popular food that is simple to cook and made with few ingredients. The basic ingredients consist of cooking apples, sugar and water. Other ingredients, such as cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, lemon juice or zest, and apple cider, can be added to enhance the flavor.

Peel five to six medium cooking apples. Cut apples in half and then into quarters.

Remove the core from the quartered sections.
Cut quartered apples into thick slices.

Place slices immediately in water with lemon juice to prevent browning. Do not allow apples to soak for more than 15 minutes.

Add 1/2 cup of cold water to a heavy 2-quart saucepan. Drain slices and add them to the saucepan.
Bring apples and water to a boil over medium heat. Cover apples and reduce heat to low. For chunky sauce simmer apples for 8 to 10 minutes. For smoother applesauce, simmer for 12 to 15 minutes.
Add 1/2 cup of sugar during the last 2 or 3 minutes of cooking time.

Stir sugar into the sauce and finish cooking to desired consistency.
The applesauce can be served warm or chilled. Before storing in the refrigerator, allow the applesauce to cool and then place in a sealed container.