Drunken apple baskets :)

Baked Apple Baskets: A Flavorful Delight for Special Moments

If you're looking for a quick and delicious dessert that will delight the taste buds of family and friends, baked apple baskets are the perfect choice! This dessert combines the sweet and spiced flavors of apples with a tender pastry, creating an unforgettable culinary experience. Plus, making these baskets is a fun activity, ideal for spending quality time in the kitchen. Below, I will share all the necessary details to achieve a perfect result.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 25-30 minutes
Total time: 60-65 minutes
Servings: 12 baskets

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 125 ml milk
- 125 ml sour yogurt
- 25 g fresh yeast
- 50 g sugar
- 50 g butter (melted and cooled)
- 2 teaspoons oil
- A pinch of salt
- 1 egg
- Vanilla essence (optional)
- 500 g flour

For the filling:
- 5 apples (preferably sweet-tart varieties)
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 50 ml water
- 300 ml white wine (or apple juice for a non-alcoholic version)
- 100 g sugar
- 5-6 cloves

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the dough

1. Sifting the flour: Start by sifting the flour into a large bowl. This step will aerate the flour and help achieve a fluffier dough.

2. Heating the milk: In a small saucepan, heat the milk together with the yogurt, being careful not to bring it to a boil, as the yogurt may curdle.

3. Dissolving the yeast: In another small bowl, dissolve the yeast with a little warm milk. This is an essential technique to activate the yeast and achieve a well-risen dough.

4. Mixing the ingredients: Pour the dissolved yeast over the flour. Then add the milk mixed with yogurt, sugar, salt, melted butter, egg, and vanilla essence. Use a spatula or your hands to mix the ingredients until you obtain a smooth dough.

5. Kneading: Add the two teaspoons of oil and knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. This step is crucial for developing the gluten, which will give the dough a tender texture.

6. Proofing: Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let the dough rise in a warm place until it doubles in volume (about 1 hour).

Step 2: Prepare the apple filling

1. Slicing the apples: Wash the apples under a cold running water, then remove the cores and slice them thinly. Choose apples from varieties that have a firm texture, such as Granny Smith or Golden Delicious, to ensure the filling doesn’t break down during cooking.

2. Boiling the apples: In a skillet, add the water, sugar, and cloves. Bring to a boil over medium heat until the sugar dissolves. Add the white wine and, once the mixture starts to boil, remove the cloves.

3. Cooking the apples: Add the apple slices and cinnamon to the skillet, stirring to coat the apples in the fragrant syrup. Let it boil for 10-15 minutes until the apples become tender but do not break down completely. Once done, let the filling cool.

Step 3: Assemble the baskets

1. Forming the balls: After the dough has risen, divide it into 12 equal balls. Place them on a floured surface.

2. Rolling out the dough: Use a rolling pin to roll each ball into a thin sheet. Make sure the sheets are not too thick or too thin to support the filling.

3. Preparing the molds: Grease the basket molds with butter or oil to prevent sticking.

4. Filling the baskets: Place the dough sheets in the molds, then fill them with the apple mixture, being careful not to overfill. Pinch the edges of the dough to form a basket, ensuring the apples are well covered.

5. Second proofing: Let the baskets rise for another 15 minutes to achieve a fluffier texture.

Step 4: Baking

1. Preheating the oven: Preheat the oven to 180°C (moderate heat).

2. Baking: Place the molds in the oven and bake the baskets for 25-30 minutes or until they turn golden and beautifully browned. You will smell the delicious aroma of caramelized apples and cinnamon throughout the kitchen!

3. Cooling: After baking, let the baskets cool in the molds for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serving Suggestions

These baked apple baskets are excellent served warm, dusted with powdered sugar or accompanied by a scoop of vanilla ice cream. You can also enjoy them with caramel sauce or a simple sugar glaze. They are perfect for serving at a gathering with friends or to add a touch of magic to holiday meals.

Possible Variations

- Diverse filling: Instead of apples, you can use pears or peaches, and for an exotic flavor, add nuts or raisins to the fruit mixture.
- Cocoa dough: Add 30 g of cocoa to the dough for a chocolate flavor that pairs perfectly with the apples.
- Spices: Experiment with other spices like cardamom or ginger to give your baskets a unique twist.

Nutritional Information

One serving of baked apple baskets contains approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the ingredients used. These baskets are a good source of carbohydrates, providing vitamins and antioxidants from the apples, contributing to a healthy diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
Yes, you can use dry yeast, but make sure to follow the proportions indicated on the package; usually, 7 g of dry yeast is equivalent to 25 g of fresh yeast.

What can I do if the dough doesn’t rise?
Ensure that the yeast is active (check the expiration date) and that you left the dough in a warm place, away from drafts.

How can I store the baskets?
The baskets can be stored at room temperature in a sealed container for 2-3 days. For longer storage, freeze them and thaw before serving.

Making these baked apple baskets will bring a touch of warmth and joy to your home. Enjoy every step of the cooking process and savor these delights with your loved ones!