Baked apples with cheese on a bed of chocolate

Baked Apples with Cheese on a Chocolate Bed

Welcome to the world of culinary delights! Today, I present to you a recipe that perfectly combines sweet and creamy flavors, offering you an unforgettable experience: baked apples with cheese on a chocolate bed. This dessert is not only a symphony of flavors but also an excellent way to transform simple fruits into something truly special. Let's embark on this delicious recipe together!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Baking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Number of Servings: 8

Ingredients

- 8 apples (preferably Granny Smith or Golden for a pleasant contrast between sweetness and acidity)
- 400 g cottage cheese (a creamy variant, without excess water)
- 150 g sugar (you can adjust the amount according to your preferences)
- 1 egg (to bind the mixture)
- a few drops of rum essence (adds a distinctive note)
- ground cinnamon (for an extra flavor)
- 100 g chocolate (choose dark or milk chocolate according to your preferences)
- milk (about 50 ml, to melt the chocolate)
- jam or caramel (for serving)

A Brief History

Baked apples are a traditional dessert that has been enjoyed for generations. This modern recipe, with cheese and chocolate, reinterprets a classic, giving it a contemporary twist. Apples have been cultivated for thousands of years, and their combination with cheese has been appreciated over time, whether in desserts or savory dishes.

Preparing the Recipe

Step 1: Preparing the Apples
Start by washing the apples well. Use a sharp knife to remove the core, making sure to create a conical cavity inside each apple. This way, you will be able to fill the apples with the cheese mixture. To prevent oxidation, you can sprinkle the apples with a little lemon juice.

Step 2: Preparing the Cheese Filling
In a bowl, mix the cottage cheese with sugar, the egg, and rum essence. Use a mixer or a fork to achieve a homogeneous, creamy, and slightly sweet mixture. If you prefer a finer texture, you can blend the cheese using a blender.

Step 3: Filling the Apples
Place the apples in a baking dish. Use a spoon to fill each apple with the cheese mixture. Make sure the filling is well packed, but leave a little space at the top so the cheese doesn't overflow during baking.

Step 4: Baking
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Place the dish with the filled apples in the oven and let them bake for 30 minutes. You will notice how the apples become soft, and the cheese browns slightly on top, giving an appetizing appearance.

Step 5: Preparing the Chocolate Sauce
In a small container, add the chocolate and milk. Place the container over a double boiler or in the microwave, stirring constantly until the chocolate completely melts and becomes a liquid mixture. Add a few drops of rum essence to enhance the flavor.

Step 6: Serving
On a plate, spread a spoonful of chocolate sauce. Carefully place a baked apple on top. Sprinkle a little cinnamon on the apple and drizzle with jam or caramel sauce for an extra touch of flavor. This dessert can be served warm, but it is also delicious at room temperature.

Practical Tips

- Choosing Apples: Firmer apples are ideal for holding up during baking. Avoid very soft apples, as they may break down during cooking.
- Variations of the Filling: You can experiment with different types of cheese, such as ricotta or mascarpone, for a different texture and taste. Additionally, adding raisins or nuts to the filling can add an extra flavor.
- Chocolate: If you are a chocolate lover, you can also add chocolate pieces to the cheese filling for a surprise effect.
- Serving: This dessert pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a warm cocoa drink, making it an ideal dessert for cool autumn evenings.

Nutritional Benefits

Apples are rich in fiber and vitamins A and C, while cottage cheese provides protein and calcium. This dessert can be a good option for those who want to enjoy a sweet treat without compromising their health. However, it's best to consume in moderation, considering the added sugar.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use other fruits?
Of course! Peaches or plums can be filled and baked in the same way, offering an interesting variation of the recipe.

- How can I make this dessert healthier?
You can reduce the amount of sugar by using natural sweeteners or omit the sugar completely, considering the sweetness of the apples.

- Can I prepare this dessert in advance?
Yes, the filled apples can be prepared a few hours before serving. Bake them an hour before you want to serve and reheat them in the oven for a few minutes before serving.

Conclusion

Baked apples with cheese on a chocolate bed are a true delight that combines tradition with innovation. This dessert not only looks amazing but is also full of flavors that will enchant you. Whether you prepare it for a special occasion or simply to indulge yourself, this recipe will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Don't forget to share your culinary experience!

Enjoy your meal!