Imagine a dessert that transforms ordinary apples into a luxurious, wine-soaked delicacy that will make your taste buds dance with delight! This French-inspired "Apples in Red Wine" recipe is not just a dessert; it's a sensory experience that combines the rich depth of red wine with the sweet, tender essence of perfectly poached apples. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or treat yourself to an elegant, sophisticated dessert, this recipe promises to elevate your culinary repertoire with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 medium apples, peeled and cored
- 1 bottle red wine
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Carefully peel and core 4 medium apples, ensuring they remain whole and intact. Choose firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Braeburn for best results.
- Select a wide, heavy-bottomed saucepan that can accommodate the apples in a single layer. This will ensure even cooking and wine absorption.
- Pour the entire bottle of red wine into the saucepan, preferably using a medium-bodied wine like Merlot or Pinot Noir for balanced flavor.
- Add sugar and cinnamon stick to the wine, stirring gently to help sugar dissolve completely over medium heat.
- Carefully place the peeled whole apples into the wine mixture, ensuring they are mostly submerged. Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer.
- Reduce heat to low and let the apples poach slowly, turning them occasionally to ensure even color and flavor absorption. This process should take approximately 20-25 minutes.
- Check apple tenderness by inserting a thin knife - they should be soft but not mushy. Remove from heat when perfectly cooked.
- Stir in vanilla extract during the final minutes of cooking to enhance the wine sauce's complexity.
- Carefully transfer apples to serving dishes and reduce the remaining wine sauce until slightly thickened.
- Pour reduced wine sauce over the apples and serve warm, optionally garnishing with a small scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Tips
- Apple Selection is Key: Choose firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Braeburn that will hold their shape during poaching.
- Wine Matters: Use a medium-bodied red wine like Merlot or Pinot Noir for the best flavor balance. Avoid overly tannic or very light wines.
- Peeling Technique: Peel apples carefully, keeping them whole to maintain their elegant presentation.
- Gentle Cooking: Maintain a low, gentle simmer to ensure the apples cook evenly without falling apart.
- Sauce Reduction: Take time to reduce the wine sauce - it concentrates the flavors and creates a stunning, glossy finish.
- Serving Suggestion: A small scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream can beautifully complement the warm, wine-infused apples.
- Make Ahead: This dessert can be prepared in advance and gently reheated, making it perfect for entertaining.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 453kcal
Carbohydrates: 81g
Protein: 0g
Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
