Cara Cara Orange Compote
Tart, sweet and lively with bright citrus flavor, this compote is excellent on French toast.
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.
Baked Apples with Mexican Chocolate & Vanilla Bean Marshmallows
A truly delicious dessert made from farmstead apples and cinnamon-kissed chocolate.
Ingredients:
2 medium apples
2 ounces Mexican chocolate, coarsely chopped
4 full-size vanilla bean marshmallows, plus 1 extra, cut into 4 quarters
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons water
Method:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°. Halve each apple lengthwise. Using a melon baller or grapefruit spoon, scoop out seeds, forming a small crater in the center of each half.
2. Fill each crater with a marshmallow quarter and a quarter of the chocolate. Cut 2 tablespoons butter into small pieces, and divide among apples, placing over the chocolate.
3. Place water and remaining 2 tablespoons butter in a baking dish. Place filled apples in the dish. Bake until a paring knife inserted into apples meets no resistance, 20 to 30 minutes.
4. Set the oven to broil. Top each apple half with a full marshmallow. Broil until golden brown. Drizzle with any juices from the dish and serve warm.
Maple-Spiced Apples
These fragrant apples are wonderful served on top of pancakes.
Ingredients:
4 apples, peeled, cored and sliced ¼-inch thick
2 tablespoons butter
¼ cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon ginger
1 teaspoon cinnamon
2 tablespoons maple syrup
Method:
1. Melt butter in a heavy skillet. Add apples and cook over medium heat until they begin to soften.
2. Add brown sugar, ginger, cinnamon and maple syrup. Cook until most of the liquid is evaporated. Keep warm until ready to serve.
Variation: This recipe is also lovely with fall pears instead of apples, or a mixture of the two.
