Snails with apples

Apple Snails a la Miha: The Perfect Delight for Any Occasion

In a world full of refined desserts, Apple Snails a la Miha stand out for their simplicity and unmistakable aroma. This recipe is not just a culinary indulgence but also a journey into childhood memories, when the scent of baked apples and cinnamon filled the house. We offer a modern version, but with a nostalgic touch, ideal for a festive meal or a gathering with friends.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 8

Your basic ingredients for Apple Snails are:

- 400 g puff pastry (preferably high quality for a crispy texture)
- 4 apples (choose sweet-tart varieties like Granny Smith or Golden Delicious for a perfect contrast)
- 4 tablespoons of sugar (you can adjust the amount to your liking)
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon (this will add a warm and comforting aroma)
- 50 g butter (to add richness and flavor)
- 1 egg (for brushing, to achieve a golden and shiny crust)

Making Apple Snails is a simple and enjoyable experience. Here are the detailed steps:

1. Preparing the apples: Start by washing the apples and peeling them. Cut them into quarters and remove the seeds. Then, cut each quarter into small cubes, about 1 cm. This will help with even and quick cooking.

2. Sautéing the apples: In a non-stick pan, add the butter along with the apple cubes, sugar, and cinnamon. Place the pan over medium heat and sauté the apples for 5-7 minutes, stirring constantly until the apples become slightly soft but not fully cooked. Let the mixture cool.

3. Preparing the pastry: Roll out the puff pastry on a clean surface dusted with a little flour and form a rectangle. Make sure the pastry is even and not too thick to achieve a crispy texture.

4. Assembling the snails: Once the apple mixture has cooled, spread it evenly over the surface of the pastry. Roll the pastry tightly, starting from one end. Here, if you want to achieve tighter snails, you can gently press the pastry while rolling, ensuring the filling stays well wrapped.

5. Cutting the snails: Use a very sharp knife to cut the roll into slices about 2 cm wide. Place the slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between them to expand while baking.

6. Brushing: Beat the egg and brush each snail with a pastry brush. This step will ensure a golden and appetizing crust.

7. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and bake the snails for 25-30 minutes or until they become golden and crispy. Make sure to check them occasionally to prevent burning.

8. Cooling: Once the snails are ready, take them out of the oven and let them cool slightly before enjoying.

Serving suggestions: Apple Snails a la Miha are delicious both warm and at room temperature. You can serve them with vanilla ice cream or a caramel sauce for an even more decadent experience. A cup of tea or a warm drink is also perfect to complement this dessert.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use other fruits? Absolutely! You can experiment with peaches, plums, or even berries. Each variation will bring a unique note to your dessert.
- How can I store the snails? You can store the cooled snails in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them before baking.
- What can I do if I don't have puff pastry? A simple alternative would be to use pie dough or even make a simple cookie dough.

Nutritional benefits: Apples are an excellent source of fiber and vitamin C, and cinnamon has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Although Apple Snails are a dessert, they can provide beneficial nutritional value, especially if you are mindful of the amount of sugar used.

Calories: One serving of Apple Snails (1 snail) contains approximately 180-200 calories, depending on the exact ingredients and serving size.

Whether you prepare them for a special occasion or simply to treat yourself, Apple Snails a la Miha are a dessert that will not disappoint. Happy cooking and enjoy!