Apples have long been a cook's best friend because they can be processed into a variety of delicious dishes. In the country of the four seasons, apples are usually harvested during the fall, but can still be enjoyed during the winter. If you are tired of eating fresh apples, why not give it a try? There are many ways you can do to process apples. In addition to getting a delicious meal, you will also stay warm and comfortable when eating it in cold weather.
Ingredients
Baking Apples
- 4 large apples
- cup (50 g) brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder
- cup (30 g) pecans, chopped (optional)
- cup (40 g) raisins, chopped (optional)
- 1 tablespoon (15 g) butter
- cup (180 ml) hot water
Frying Apples
- 4 apples
- cup (115 g) butter
- cup (100 g) white or brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons cinnamon powder
Cooking Apples in the Microwave
- 2 apples
- 2 teaspoons (10 g) unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons (25 g) brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder
Setting Up Apple
- 6 cups (700 g) Granny Smith apples, peeled and chopped
- cup (100 g) brown sugar
- cup (60 ml) apple juice (or water)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder
- teaspoon nutmeg powder
- teaspoon salt
Step
Method 1 of 4: Baking Apples
Step 1. Preheat the oven to 190 °C
Step 2. Wash the apples, cut off the tops, then remove the seeds
Use a melon scoop (a tool for making fruit ice) or a metal spoon to punch a hole in the center of the apple. The width of the hole is at least about 2.5 cm. Make sure you leave the bottom of the apple about 1.5 cm.
There are several types of apples that are suitable for baking, such as Golden Delicious, Jonagold, or Rome Beauty
Step 3. Scratch the apple skin thinly
Use a sharp knife to make a transverse line around the apple. Draw a few lines: near the top, in the middle, and near the bottom. This will prevent the apple skin from cracking while baking.
Step 4. In a large bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon powder
For a more luxurious touch, add chopped pecans and/or chopped raisins.
Step 5. Divide the sugar mixture into four equal parts, then insert them into the hole at the top of the apple
Each apple gets approximately 1 tablespoon.
Step 6. Add butter on top of brown sugar
Cut the butter into four equal parts, placing each piece on top of each apple. When melted, the butter will mix with the sugar, creating a delicious sauce.
Step 7. Place the apples on the baking sheet, then pour hot water into the pan
The hot water will prevent the bottom of the apple from burning. In addition, the water will also mix with the juice that comes out of the apple, and produce a kind of sauce.
Step 8. Bake the apples for 30-45 minutes
Apples are considered ripe when the flesh is soft, and can be pierced easily with a fork.
Step 9. Let the cooking process continue for a while before you serve the apples
Remove the apples from the baking sheet, and transfer them to a serving plate using a spatula. You can drizzle the apples with the sauce that forms at the bottom of the pan, if you like.
Method 2 of 4: Frying Apples
Step 1. Prepare the apples to be fried
Wash and peel the apples first. Then, prepare the apples in one of the following ways:
- Remove the seeds from the apple, then cut the apple into thin slices or ring-shaped slices.
- Cut the apple into thin triangular slices.
- Cut the apples into quarters, then cut them again with a thickness of 1.5 cm.
Step 2. Heat a skillet over medium heat
Shake the pan so that the melted butter is evenly distributed over the entire surface of the face.
Step 3. Add the sugar and cinnamon powder to the butter
You can use white or brown sugar, but brown sugar will make for a better taste. Keep stirring until the sugar and cinnamon are well combined with the butter.
Step 4. Add apple slices, and cook on medium heat for about 5-8 minutes
Use a spatula or wooden spoon to flip the apples over so they cook evenly.
Step 5. Serve the apples while they are still warm
Use a spoon to remove the apple slices from the pan, and serve in a bowl. If you don't like the "sauce" that the apples make, use a slotted spoon to remove the apples from the pan.
Method 3 of 4: Microwave Cooking Apples
Step 1. Take both apples and cut off the tops
Then make a hole in the middle using a spoon or melon scoop. Try to make a hole measuring about 2.5 cm. Leave the bottom of the apple about 1.5 cm thick.
Step 2. Take a bowl, then mix brown sugar, cinnamon powder and nutmeg powder
Stir all the ingredients until well blended and make sure each apple gets an equal portion.
Step 3. Pour the sugar mixture into each apple
Each apple will get about 1 tablespoon. If necessary, gently pat the sugar mixture into the hole you made.
Step 4. Add butter on top of the sugar mixture
As the apples ripen, the butter will melt and seep into the sugar and create a sweet sauce for the apples.
Step 5. Place the apples in a microwave-safe container and cover with plastic food wrap
Use a container with high walls, such as a ceramic baking pan or a casserole pan. The high walls will prevent the juice from spilling out and contaminating the microwave.
Step 6. Microwave the apples for 3½ to 4 minutes
Keep in mind that every microwave is not exactly the same. So, apples may ripen more quickly. If the microwave isn't very powerful, you may have to cook it a little longer. Apples are considered ripe when the flesh is soft.
Step 7. Let the apples sit for a few minutes before you open the plastic wrap and serve them
Be careful not to bend over the apple when opening the plastic wrap as a lot of hot steam can escape. There's nothing wrong with letting the apples sit for a few minutes to cool them down before eating them.
Method 4 of 4: Setting Up Apple
Step 1. Prepare the apples
Peel the apple first, then cut it into quarters. Remove the seeds, then cut the apple into small dice.
Step 2. Put all ingredients in a large saucepan, and bring to a boil over high heat
Put the pot on the stove. Add apples, apple juice, sugar, cinnamon powder, and sugar. Stir all ingredients until well blended and sugar is dissolved. Then, turn on the stove over high heat, and wait for the mixture to boil.
If you want a less sweet setup, use water instead of apple juice. Stir the ingredients together
Step 3. Heat the apples over medium-low heat (don't let them boil), cover the pot, and cook until the apples turn soft
It usually takes between 25-45 minutes, depending on the thickness of the apple slices. Stir the apples occasionally. This will help the apples to ripen evenly.
Step 4. Turn off the heat and let the apples sit in the pan for 5-10 minutes before serving
This step allows the flavors to penetrate more deeply into the flesh of the fruit. In addition, the apple will be cooler and more comfortable to eat.
Step 5. Enjoy
Tips
- You can process apples using the method above just like that, without the addition of spices, such as sugar, butter, or cinnamon powder. However, of course the taste will be different. If the recipe says to add water, do it. Water can prevent apples from burning.
- Store apples in a cool place or in the refrigerator and away from other foods that have a strong aroma. Apples stored in the refrigerator can last 4-6 weeks.
- Serve baked or microwaved apples with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for extra flavor!
- Process the apples after cutting so they don't turn brown. You can sprinkle lemon juice on apple slices to prevent discoloration.
- Add lemon juice mixed with water in a ratio of 1:3 to the apple slices so they don't turn brown. Process the chopped apples within two hours of adding the lemon juice. Or store the apple slices in the refrigerator if you want to process them later.
- To make applesauce, you can use Gala, Granny Smith, and Golden Delicious apples for best results.
- Granny Smith, Golden Delicious, and Rome Beauty are great for baking.
- Experiment with seasonings, cuts, and how to serve apples! For example, you can coat sliced apples in seasoned flour and then fry them to make apple fritters.
