It is the first day of winter, although after one of the coldest autumns on record (May nights averaged below 0 degrees - the first time since 1961) it feels like winter has been here for awhile. However after a week of clear sunny skies, today is grey and dull and really feels like a day to be spent in front of an open fire.
One of the things I enjoy about the seasons is the different produce they bring to the fore. Apples seem so ubiquitous. Thanks to cold stores, they are always available, however they never taste quite as good, quite as crisp as they do at this time of year when they are fresh off the tree.
I'm currently enjoying an especially nice bag of small pink lady apples we picked up at the local fruit market for $2. Pink ladies are among my favourites. They share that spot with fujis and really good galas, however when it comes to cooking, you can't beat a granny smith. And on this wintery day, I think some kind of hot apple dessert is calling me.
What is your favourite type of apple and do you have a great winter apple dessert for me (that is hopefully more healthy than coring, stuffing with mars bar and baking)?
It's so funny that you wrote this post, I was only thinkign to day as I grabbed my daily Pink Lady that I could write a post on how much I love apples :-)
ReplyDeleteI'd love to make an apple pie too now you mention it :-D
A crisp fresh apple is just gorgeous isn't it? That said I always seem to fall in love with whatever is in season.
DeleteMmm, apple pie.
Yummy! Apples are so versatile, but I think there's nothing more comforting in winter than a lovely crunchy apple crumble! :)
ReplyDeleteOh Cat, apple crumble. With custard. Oh yeah, I'm thinking of some good possibilities.
DeleteMy dad makes an amazing baked apple - he cores them, then stuffs them with a mixture of chopped dates, walnuts, and brown sugar, with just a little bit of butter on top. Score the skin, bake until soft and collapsing and the stuffing is all caramelised.... so good!
ReplyDeleteMars bars, though? Impressive!
Oh that sounds very yummy and somewhat more healthy than just stuffing a mars bar in. But the mars bar is rather delicious!
DeleteYour average night temperature was below 0'C? Goodness me, we live in different climates!!
ReplyDeleteI share your love of Pink Lady apples - they are definitely my favourite. Although as you note, Granny Smiths win for cooking.
It was an unusually cold May. I can't remember such a run of -3 and -4 nights for ages. I'm looking forward to some warmer weather on my holiday though.
DeleteI love Granny Smiths. I love their green colour (it's a happy apple!) and their tanginess. I love apple crumbles but have never made one before. Friends say it's super easy so maybe this winter will be the first year I attempt making one :)
ReplyDeletePS Love your blog. Nice to stumble upon a blog that celebrates those little things in life that makes us smile!
Thanks Kim! I might do an apple crumble recipe soon, stay tuned.
DeleteIt's currently about 18 above in London, which is cool given that last week was largely in the high twenties. Reading your blog makes me laugh at how big the world is that it can be winter on half the planet and summer on the other. What a marvellous universe.
ReplyDeleteI love Pink Ladies too. And Bramley apples stuffed with nuts, honey and raisins and baked in the oven. Om nom nom nom.
Kaitlyn, I'm really looking forward to that warmth when we visit in a few weeks. We don't have Bramleys in Australia, I might have to seek them out.
DeleteApples with calvados:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.gourmettraveller.com.au/apples-with-calvados.htm
I love this: can be thrown together at the drop of a hat (so long as you keep calvados around, which I do).
Yum Judy, that sounds amazing! And a good reason to have some calvados on hand.
Deletei LOVE anything with apple, but currently craving an apple crumble. This might just be the post that makes me finally do something about that craving!
ReplyDelete