Cara Cara Orange Compote
Tart, sweet and lively with bright citrus flavor, this compote is excellent on our biscuits.
Ingredients:
2 Cara Cara oranges, peeled and separated, pith removed
6 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons brandy
Method:
1. In a small, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat, combine orange sections, sugar, and brandy. Using the back of a wooden spoon, mash oranges as they heat up to release juices. Stir until sugar dissolves.
2. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Whipped Crème Fraîche
A simply-stunning topping for this week’s gingerbread loaf, or any holiday pie you have in mind.
Ingredients:
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup crème fraîche
1 tablespoon granulated sugar*
Method:
1. Chill the bowl of a stand mixer and the whisk attachment in the freezer for 10 minutes.
2. Place all of the ingredients in the bowl and whisk on high speed until medium peaks form, about 1 to 2 minutes. (Alternatively, you can use a hand whisk and a large chilled bowl. Whisk all of the ingredients until medium peaks form, about 5 to 6 minutes.) Serve immediately.
* Feel free to sub in your favorite sweetener here; our favorites are honey or even a splash of bourbon maple syrup!
Irish Apple Cake
Spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, this delicious apple cake is sure to be a new favorite.
Ingredients:
4 tablespoons butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 egg, beaten
4 apples, cored, peeled and diced (about 2 cups)
¼ cup walnuts, chopped
1 teaspoon each vanilla extract, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon and ground nutmeg
1 cup all-purpose flour
Method:
1. Preheat oven to 350°. Generously grease an 8-inch square cake pan.
2. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the egg, apples, nuts, and vanilla and stir well. Sift in the dry ingredients and mix well.
3. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake about 45 minutes, until the cake is lightly browned and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and let the cake set in the pan for 5 minutes, then remove from pan. Serve warm or at room temperature with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Applesauce
This lovely, chunky applesauce pairs well with this week’s Bavarian fare.
Ingredients:
4 pounds fall apples of your choice, peeled, cored and quartered
¼ cup fresh lemon juice
¾ cup organic cane sugar
Pinch of salt
Method:
1. Combine apples, lemon juice, sugar and 1½ cups water in a large pot. Cover and bring to a boil over high heat, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to medium low, partially cover, and cook, stirring occasionally, until apples are completely soft, about 40 minutes.
2. Mash the apples with a potato masher or large fork, if needed, until applesauce reaches desired texture. Applesauce can be stored in the refrigerator up to 1 week, or in the freezer up to 3 months.
