Warm Spiced Apples
Happy Fall!
We’ve officially reached fall here in New England and with that comes cooler weather, changing leaves and fantastic fall produce including apples!
While I love using apples for desserts, particularly in the recipe for this week, I also think apples are overlooked for savory dishes. Most typically only use apples for desserts. Don’t get me wrong; the simple dessert I’ve created for you here is absolutely delicious. But, I’m also here to make the case that apples pair perfectly with proteins including pork chops or pork loins. If you are ready to experiment a little, I recommend adding one small onion (diced) to the dish. When making it, add the onion and sauté prior to adding the butter, apples, ginger and five-spice. Then continue with the recipe as follows. Add on top of tender juicy pork chop and you have the perfect condiment. Pair with your favorite roasted vegetable and voila, dinner is served.
Now that I’ve shared how to make this into a great dinner, we’ll get to dessert. I’ve added my East-West twist subbing in five-spice for cinnamon and or nutmeg. This is a favorite, easy and quick fall dessert that is perfect for a simple night by the fire or dished and plated for your next dinner party. You could even add this over pancakes or waffles and serve with a mug of hot coffee or matcha for a weekend brunch.
My PR and Culinary Marketing Manager Becca Noren, is an RDN and is here to share some insights on why apples are more than just a fall favorite.
Notes from Becca:
Thank you Chef! I’m a huge apple fan, and love everything about this dish. I’d even go so far to say that I typically eat an apple a day! While most only eat apples plain or for dessert, I agree that they are more versatile than we think, particularly when paired with proteins such as pork. One thing to keep in mind is that most of an apple’s nutrients are in the skin. I always suggest eating or cooking them whole rather than peeling to ensure you obtain all the good-for-you nutrients. Did you know apples are high in polyphenols, compounds that are known to help decrease inflammation and prevent new blood cell growth (angiogenesis)? Try apples in this great Warm Spiced Apples dish and let us know how you’ve incorporated them into your meals!
Warm Spiced Apples
Serves 2
2 tablespoons butter or neutral oil
2 apples, diced, skin on into ½ inch cubes
1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger
1 teaspoon five-spice (can sub ½ teaspoon cinnamon and ½ teaspoon nutmeg too)
¼ cup rum or ½ cup apple juice
To serve- favorite vanilla ice cream, Greek yogurt or slice of favorite pound cake
1. Place a medium sauté pan on medium heat and add the butter. Allow the butter to melt.
2. Add the apples, ginger and five spice and sauté until the apples start to soften.
3. Once the apples are mostly soft, deglaze with the rum or apple juice and allow reduce until most of the liquid is gone, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Remove from heat, serve on top of your desired base (vanilla ice cream, Greek yogurt or pound cake), and enjoy warm!
Peace and Good Eating,
Chef Ming Tsai
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