The Revolution and Baked apples

I read an interesting fact about hats and the American Revolution.  In 1732 Great Britain restricted hat-making in America and forced the colonists to buy heavily taxed British made hats creating another one of the grievances that led to the American revolution.  Hats were such an important commodity that there needed to be a revolution to have American milliners. Please support your local milliner in America.  We had to fight for it and hats are still important. 

Baked apples also have a history in Great Britain and America.  The classic preparations are the same and I don't think there was ever any controversy involved in making them.  In fact I have baked them in both countries.  I was reminded of this simple dessert when watching an episode of the River Cottage series, a cooking show I saw in England.  Cored apples are stuffed with dried fruits soaked in alcohol, butter and spices, then baked.  Apple pie without the crust.

Baked Apples

4 crisp gala style apples
squeeze of lemon
1/4 cup dried fruits
1/4 cup brandy or whiskey
2 tbs. brown sugar
1/4 tsp. cinnamon
3 tbs. softened butter.
Heavy cream whipped with a little sugar

Pre-heat the oven to 375 degrees.  Core the apples and score them in the middle all the way around the apple. This will keep them from bursting.  Stand them up in a buttered baking dish.  Squeeze lemon juice over and set them aside.

Heat the alcohol and fruit in a saucepan with the brown sugar and cinnamon.  When sugar is dissolved turn off the heat and let the mixture steep for 5 minutes.  Strain the fruit, reserving any liquid. Mix the fruit with 2 tbs. of the butter, stuff the apples and top each with the remaining butter.

Bake uncovered for 30 minutes. Pour the reserved liquid over each apple and bake 15 minutes more. Remove immediately to individual serving bowls with the syrupy sauce and let cool to room temperature.  Serve with sweetened freshly whipped cream. 

The most exotic apple I have tried baking this way is called Pink Pearl. It has a floral rose scent, pale rose colored flesh and is almost magenta pink inside.  This makes sense since apple trees are a member of the rose family.  

To see the latest collection of Zazu & Violets' hats, please visit our on-line Etsy shop.