Baked apples with almond flakes and mandarin ice cream

Baked Apples with Almond Flakes and Mandarin Ice Cream

When winter wraps itself in gray attire and the weather invites you to snuggle into your own comfort oasis, there’s nothing more comforting than a warm dessert that brings traditional flavors in every bite. This recipe for baked apples with almond flakes, accompanied by mandarin ice cream, is perfect for quiet evenings spent at home, reading a good book or enjoying a favorite movie. I invite you to discover the steps of this simple and delicious recipe that will make you feel like you’re in a winter tale.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients

For the baked apples:
- 6 yellow or red apples (choose apples with a firmer texture, such as Golden Delicious or Fuji)
- 45 grams of dehydrated currants (or cranberries, for a touch of acidity)
- 30 grams of almond flakes (toasted, for a more intense flavor)
- 45 grams of butter (melted, preferably of high quality)
- 3 tablespoons of honey (preferably acacia or lavender)
- 6 teaspoons of brown sugar (which will caramelize the apples and give them a delicious crust)

For the mandarin ice cream:
- 1 can of mandarins (375 grams)
- 100 ml of milk (preferably with a fat content of 3.5%)
- 50 ml of coconut milk (optional, but adds an exotic flavor)
- 3 tablespoons of brown sugar from cane sugar

Preparation steps

Step 1: Preparing the apples
1. Wash and peel the apples: Choose fresh, firm apples, wash them well under running water, and dry them with a clean towel. Use a special tool to remove the core without damaging the flesh. This step is essential to create a generous space for the filling.

2. Prepare the filling: In a bowl, mix the almond flakes, dehydrated currants, honey, and melted butter. You can also add a pinch of cinnamon for a deeper flavor. The mixture should be sticky but not overly wet.

3. Fill the apples: Place the apples in a baking dish lined with parchment paper and fill each apple with the prepared mixture. Don’t be afraid to fill them well, but leave a little space at the top.

4. Sprinkle the sugar: Place a teaspoon of brown sugar on top of each apple. This will create a wonderful caramelized crust during baking.

5. Bake the apples: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius and bake the apples for 30 minutes, until they become soft but not overly mushy, and the sugar caramelizes beautifully. You can check if they are ready by inserting a fork into them; if it goes in easily, they are perfect.

Step 2: Preparing the mandarin ice cream
1. Drain the mandarins: Open the can of mandarins and drain the juice. Keep the liquid, as it will be used in the recipe.

2. Mix the ingredients: In a bowl, combine the milk, coconut milk (if you choose to use it), 3 tablespoons of brown sugar, and 3 tablespoons of the reserved juice. Mix well until the sugar completely dissolves.

3. Add the mandarins: Cut the mandarins in half or leave them whole, according to your preference, and add them to the milk mixture.

4. Freezing: Pour the mixture into a container and place it in the freezer. It’s ideal to stir the mixture every 30 minutes to prevent ice crystals from forming until the ice cream becomes firm (about 2-3 hours).

Serving
When the apples are baked and the ice cream is ready, take them out of the oven and freezer. Serve the warm apples with a generous scoop of mandarin ice cream on the side. The flavors complement each other perfectly, and the warm and cold contrast will indulge you.

Practical tips
- Choosing the apples: Prefer apples with a firm texture, as they bake better and hold their shape. Granny Smith or Braeburn apples are excellent for this recipe.
- Variations: You can experiment with different fillings by adding chopped nuts or even dark chocolate. You can also replace the currants with raisins or dates.
- Mandarin ice cream: If you don’t have canned mandarins, you can use fresh mandarins. The taste will be just as delicious, but the ice cream will require a shorter preparation time since fresh mandarins contain less liquid.

Nutritional benefits
Apples are an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, while dehydrated currants provide fiber and vitamin C. The mandarin ice cream, made with milk, provides calcium and protein, making this dessert not only tasty but also healthy.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use other fruits instead of apples?
Yes, you can use pears or peaches, but the baking time may vary.

2. How can I make the ice cream creamier?
By adding a ripe banana to the ice cream mixture, you will achieve a smoother texture.

3. What can I do with the leftover filling?
You can use the leftover filling to make granola or as a topping for yogurt.

This recipe for baked apples with almond flakes and mandarin ice cream is not just a simple dessert, but an experience that blends tradition with a touch of innovation. So, enjoy every moment spent in the kitchen and the delicious aroma that will fill your home!