Featured Recipe: Caramel Apple Puff Dumplings

An article by Admin 1 Comment

This unique recipe is from 1898 Waverly Inn in Hendersonville, North Carolina. It is primarily a dessert, but it can be used as a sweet breakfast treat, too.

Servings: 4
Prep time: 1 hour

Ingredients:

• 

  1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
• 4 medium cooking apples
• 1 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 1 teaspoon water
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup caramel sundae topping
• 1/3 cup pecans, toasted and chopped

 Steps:

1. Thaw and unfold the pastry as the package directs. Preheat oven to 400F degrees. On a lightly floured surface, roll the pastry into a 16-inch square. Using a fluted pastry cutter or a kitchen knife, cut into 4 equal squares.

2. Peel and core apples; trim bottoms so that apples sit level. Place one apple in the center of each pastry square. Combine brown sugar and cinnamon; spoon into apples.

3: Beat the egg and water together in a small bowl and moisten the edges of the pastry with the mixture. Bring the pastry up around the apples, pleating or trimming excess pastry as needed, and pinch the edges together to form a seal.

4. Place the dumplings in an ungreased 9 x 13 inch baking dish. Brush them with the egg mixture; sprinkle with the granulated sugar. Bake for about 35 minutes, until golden brown.

5. For the sauce, combine the caramel topping and pecans, if desired, in a microwave-safe dish. Microwave, uncovered, on HIGH for 30 seconds, until heated through. Spoon the sauce onto each plate and set the dumplings on top or drizzle the sauce over the top. Serve warm.

By Emily Starbuck Crone

Featured Recipe: Chocolate Chiffon Dessert Cup

An article by Admin No Comments

This recipe for a Chocolate Chiffon Dessert Cup comes from Andon-Reid Inn Bed and Breakfast, Waynesville, NC.

No one leaves the table hungry at the Andon-Reid Inn Bed and Breakfast. For lots of scrumptious recipes, check out the inn's blog.

Prep time: 30 minutes
Serves:  8

Ingredients:

• 3 oz unsweetened chocolate, melted
• 15 oz ricotta cheese, whole milk or part-skim
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 2/3 cup superfine sugar
• 1-2 tbs milk
• Optional, for garnish: whipped cream, fresh berries, or chocolate curls

Steps:

1. In a food processor, blend the chocolate, ricotta cheese, and vanilla extract until very smooth.
2. Add the sugar gradually until well incorporated and then gradually add the milk.
3. Pour into dessert cups and chill.
4. Before serving, top with whipped cream, fresh berries, or chocolate curls if desired.

By Emily Starbuck Crone

Featured Recipe: Rustic Apple Crisp with Butter Caramel

An article by Admin No Comments

This delicious recipe for Rustic Apple Crisp with Butter Caramel is from The Lodge on Apple Pie Ridge in Alto, GA.

Prep time: 20 minutes
Serves: 10

Ingredients for apple crisp:

1/2 cup softened butter
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup chopped pecans
4 large granny smith (or other tart) apples
1/2 cup water
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt

Ingredients for butter caramel sauce:

1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons butter

Steps:

Apple Crisp

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Peel, core and thinly slice the apples and set aside.
3. Combine butter, brown sugar and flour to make topping. Mix until pea-sized crumbs are well-formed. Add pecans and set aside.
4. Butter an 11x13" baking dish and then add sliced apples to dish. Cover apples with the half cup of water. Sprinkle apples with granulated sugar, cinnamon and salt evenly. Spread topping evenly over the apples.
5. Bake until bubbly, approximately 35 minutes.

Butter Caramel Sauce

1. Mix granulated sugar, brown sugar, and heavy cream.
2. Bring to boil stirring constantly.
3. Boil for 90 seconds and remove from heat.
4. Whisk in 2 tablespoons of butter.
5. Cool until thickened and serve with the apple crisp.

By Emily Starbuck Crone