the lure of an apple, the seduction of toast

October 26th, 2012

 

the lure of an apple, the seduction of toast 

all treat with no trick: cinnamon-sugared baked apples 
on crispy, caramelized ghost toasts

Remember bobbing for apples at Halloween parties? Children (and adults) shoving their faces into a steel bucket of cold water hoping to capture the crunchy treat in between their teeth. Apples have draw. Some may call them an “attractive nuisance” (which in the legal world refers to something potentially dangeous but so inviting that it is certain to attract people to it). Think of Eve. How about Snow White? However, you can give into the lure of an apple; without negotiating with a serpent; with no resulting sin or threat of your heart in a box; and no bucket of cold water in your face or to drown in. In fact, you can have your apple and your sugar fix too. 

This Halloween, it is all treat: warm, soft, baked apples basted in a cinnamon-sugared butter on top of toasts (in the shape of ghosts) that have been caramelized to a crispy and chewy, buttery delight. Giving into this seasonal treat and coming out unscathed, satisfied, and keeping the switch witch at bay is the inspiration for this week’s simple pleasure: cinnamon-sugared baked apples on crispy, caramelized ghost toasts.

“bone” appétit !  

 

 

 

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cinnamon-sugared baked apples on crispy, caramelized ghost toasts

October 26th, 2012

 

  

cinnamon-sugared baked apples on crispy, caramelized ghost toasts

stats:

serves 4

active time: 10 minutes
oven time: 30 minutes Read the rest of this entry »

Pas de Deux: douillons aux pommes (apples in nightdresses)

December 16th, 2011

 

 

douillons aux pommes, apples in night dresses, dessert apples

Pas de Deux: douillons aux pommes (apples in nightdresses)

Like many people this time of year, one of the traditions in my family is to attend a performance of The Nutcracker.  In sum, it is a story of a young girl, Clara, who is given a nutcracker as a Christmas gift. The nutcracker turns into a Prince who takes Clara to the Kingdom of  Sweets where the Sugarplum Fairy and various treats (Spanish Chocolate, Peppermint Candy, etc.) perform for Clara (still in her nightdress) and the Prince. At the end, the Sugarplum Fairy and her Cavalier perform the Grand Pas de Deux (“steps of two”). As I watched the Pas de Deux, I thought of … food. The combination of a kingdom filled with dancing culinary specialities, Clara’s nightdress, and the “deux” (the collaboration of two) reminded me of the French classic dessert douillons aux pommes (apples in nightdresses). Inspired by the ballet, douiillons aux pommes is this week’s simple pleasure. Read the rest of this entry »