Caramelized Apples with Raisins and Walnuts

This apple mixture can be used with sweet or savory dishes and on its own for a side dish, breakfast or dessert.  Vanilla ice cream is a standard in my home but I like it with pumpkin ice cream as well.  I have also made this for crepes, tarts, french toast and goes well with  pork, chicken, goose and duck as either a stuffing or side dish.  You might also like to add some brandy for an added flavor to a fancy dessert.

Caramelized Apples with Raisins and Walnuts

Ingredients

• 3 T. Butter
• 3 T. Brown Sugar
• 4  Crisp Apples (peeled, cored, cut in 1″ cubes)
• 1/2 C. Golden Raisins
• 1/2 C.  Walnuts (chopped)
• 1/4 t. Cinnamon
• 1/8 t. Nutmeg
• 1/8 t. Grated Lemon Zest
• 1/4 C. – 1/3 C. Apple Cider (or Apple Juice)
• Optional (1/2 t. cornstarch, as needed)
• Vanilla Ice Cream

Preparation

1. Melt butter in sauce pan over medium heat
2. Add the apples and raisins, sprinkle 1 T. brown sugar over the apples and raisins, heat thoroughly (about 6-8 min.)
3. Sprinkle the remaining brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and lemon zest over the apple mixture and stir while heating
4. Add walnuts and heat 2-3 more minutes, continue to stir
5. Add apple cider, scrape up any brown bits on the bottom of the pan and reduce the heat
6. Reduce the sauce until it thickens slightly
7. Optional (use cornstarch to thicken more if necessary)
8. Spoon apple mixture into bowls
9. Top with Vanilla Ice Cream
10. Drizzle top of Ice Cream with additional sauce

(Serves 6)

There are a lot more ideas and recipes for apples at www.awaytogarden.com  for “Fall Fest 2010″.

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