There’s just something irresistible about the way the sweet aroma of baked apples fills my kitchen, like a warm hug on a chilly day. 🌟
The comforting smell of Pommes Au Four wafts through the kitchen. I adore how the sourness of Granny Smith apples pairs so perfectly with the warm spices of ground cinnamon and nutmeg.
The blend of raisins and chopped nuts in this dish adds a delightful texture that begs to be chewed and satisfyingly makes its way down into one’s belly. Nutritionally, the dish is a powerhouse: whole grains, apples, raisins, and nuts.
What could be better?
Pommes Au Four Recipe Ingredients
- Apples: Rich in dietary fiber and vitamin C; provide sweetness and tartness.
- Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and moisture; contributes to caramel flavor notes.
- Cinnamon: Offers warmth and spice; known for anti-inflammatory properties.
- Nuts: Source of healthy fats and proteins; adds crunch and richness.
- Raisins: Sweet dried fruit; high in antioxidants and natural sugars.
- Apple Cider: Enhances fruitiness; provides subtle depth and aroma.
Pommes Au Four Recipe Ingredient Quantities
- 4 large baking apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans)
- 1/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup apple cider or water
- Pinch of salt
How to Make this Pommes Au Four Recipe
1. Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to start with.
2. Core the apples, ensuring to keep the bottoms intact, and put them in a dish for baking.
3. In a small bowl, blend together the butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until thoroughly mixed.
4. Spoon the butter blend into the middle of each apple, filling them well.
5. Scatter the chopped nuts and raisins or dried cranberries over the apples, pushing them gently into the filling.
6. Add the apple cider or water to the bottom of the baking dish.
7. Aluminum foil ought to be used to cover the dish; then, it must be placed in the oven for 20 minutes.
8. Discard the foil and keep baking for an extra 15-20 minutes, or until the apples yield to a knife. The apples shouldn’t mush up. They shouldn’t collapse. The skin should stay intact, but the apples should be soft enough that you could folder them in half with mild pressure.
9. From time to time, spoon the liquid from the bottom of the dish over the apples to keep them nearly moist.
10. Present the baked apples warm, with the potential addition of a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. This is how the recipe instructs execution.
Pommes Au Four Recipe Equipment Needed
1. Oven
2. Apple corer or paring knife
3. Baking dish
4. Small mixing bowl
5. Spoon
6. Measuring spoons
7. Measuring cups
8. Aluminum foil
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of apple?Certainly, you can use any firm baking apple, such as Golden Delicious or Fuji, for this recipe.
- What can I substitute for nuts if I have an allergy?You can forego the nuts or use sunflower seeds or extra dried fruit for texture if you have a nut allergy. List element. List element. List element.
- Is there a non-dairy substitute for butter?Substitutes for unsalted butter include coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative.
- Do I have to add sugar?The brown sugar improves two things: it makes things taste sweeter, and it makes them caramelize better. If you want to reduce the amount of sugar in this recipe, you can feel free to do so. You can also use a kind of sugar that is less sweet or a sugar substitute altogether. I recommend using the following:
– Use 1/2 cup light brown sugar for a less sweet version.
– Substitute with 1/2 cup maple syrup if you have it on hand. - Can this recipe be made in advance?You can indeed get the apples and the filling ready several hours ahead. Then you can bake the dish and serve it fresh.
- Where should I store leftovers?Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container and eat them within 2-3 days.
- What can I serve with Pommes Au Four?Vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a dollop of yogurt make beautiful accompaniments to these baked apples.
Pommes Au Four Recipe Substitutions and Variations
Use an equal amount of maple syrup or honey in place of brown sugar, and experience a whole new world of sweetness.
Replace ground cinnamon with an equal amount of ground allspice for a slightly spicier flavor.
Chopped almonds or hazelnuts can be used as substitutes for walnuts or pecans. Both types of nuts deliver textures similar to those of the other two types of nuts, but the flavor of either type of nut is distinctly different from that of walnuts or pecans.
Substitute chopped dried apricots or cherries for raisins for a fruitier variation.
Substitute pear juice for apple cider for a more subtle change in flavor.
Pro Tips
1. Choose the Right Apples: While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are great choices, consider mixing apple varieties for a deeper flavor profile. Some apples will hold their shape better, while others will become tender and juicy, enhancing the overall texture.
2. Enhance the Filling: For a more indulgent filling, add a splash of vanilla extract or a little orange zest to the butter mixture. This will add complexity and a subtle fragrance to your baked apples.
3. Optimize Nut Flavor: Toast the chopped nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat until they are fragrant before adding them to the apples. This simple step intensifies their flavor and adds more depth to the dish.
4. Perfect Liquid Balance: If you use apple cider, consider reducing it by half over low heat before adding it to the baking dish. This concentrates the cider’s flavors, making the syrup you baste over the apples richer and more flavorful.
5. Serve with a Twist: Besides vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, try serving the baked apples with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for added sweetness and visual appeal.
Pommes Au Four Recipe
My favorite Pommes Au Four Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Oven
2. Apple corer or paring knife
3. Baking dish
4. Small mixing bowl
5. Spoon
6. Measuring spoons
7. Measuring cups
8. Aluminum foil
Ingredients:
- 4 large baking apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans)
- 1/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup apple cider or water
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to start with.
2. Core the apples, ensuring to keep the bottoms intact, and put them in a dish for baking.
3. In a small bowl, blend together the butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until thoroughly mixed.
4. Spoon the butter blend into the middle of each apple, filling them well.
5. Scatter the chopped nuts and raisins or dried cranberries over the apples, pushing them gently into the filling.
6. Add the apple cider or water to the bottom of the baking dish.
7. Aluminum foil ought to be used to cover the dish; then, it must be placed in the oven for 20 minutes.
8. Discard the foil and keep baking for an extra 15-20 minutes, or until the apples yield to a knife. The apples shouldn’t mush up. They shouldn’t collapse. The skin should stay intact, but the apples should be soft enough that you could folder them in half with mild pressure.
9. From time to time, spoon the liquid from the bottom of the dish over the apples to keep them nearly moist.
10. Present the baked apples warm, with the potential addition of a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. This is how the recipe instructs execution.