Assyrian Spiced Apple Delight

Ingredients

In this Assyrian adaptation of candied apples, we incorporate traditional Assyrian spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, and nutmeg to infuse the caramel syrup with a distinct Assyrian flavor profile. Additionally, we garnish the apples with crushed pistachios, a popular ingredient in Assyrian cuisine, to add a unique texture and enhance the overall taste. We alse have the original recipe for Candied Apples, so you can check it out.

• 6 medium-sized apples 6 medium-sized apples
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (120ml) water 1/2 cup (120ml) water
• 1/4 cup (60ml) lemon juice 1/4 cup (60ml) lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup (60g) crushed pistachios, for garnish 1/2 cup (60g) crushed pistachios, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 220 kcal / 920 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 1g, 0g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 57g, 50g
• Protein: 1g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 0.01g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Wash and dry the apples thoroughly. Remove the stems and insert a wooden skewer into each apple.
2. 2.
   In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the sugar, water, lemon juice, cinnamon, cardamom, and nutmeg. Stir well and bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.
3. 3.
   Reduce the heat to low and simmer the syrup for 10-15 minutes until it thickens slightly.
4. 4.
   Dip each apple into the caramel syrup, swirling it around to ensure even coating. Allow any excess syrup to drip off.
5. 5.
   Place the coated apples on a parchment-lined baking sheet and let them cool for 10 minutes.
6. 6.
   Sprinkle the crushed pistachios over the caramel coating of each apple, gently pressing them to adhere.
7. 7.
   Allow the Assyrian Spiced Apple Delight to cool completely before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Apples — Choose firm and crisp varieties such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best results.
• Cinnamon — Use ground cinnamon for convenience, but you can also infuse the syrup with a cinnamon stick for a stronger flavor.
• Cardamom — For a more pronounced cardamom taste, crush the cardamom pods and add them to the syrup while simmering. Remove the pods before dipping the apples.
• Pistachios — Toast the pistachios lightly in a dry pan for enhanced flavor before crushing and garnishing the apples.

Tips & Tricks

• To prevent the caramel from sticking to the parchment paper, lightly grease it with cooking spray or a thin layer of vegetable oil.
• If the caramel syrup becomes too thick while dipping the apples, gently reheat it over low heat to loosen it up.
• For an extra touch of indulgence, drizzle melted dark chocolate over the caramel coating before garnishing with crushed pistachios.
• Experiment with different spices such as cloves or allspice to customize the flavor profile to your liking.
• Serve the Assyrian Spiced Apple Delight as a dessert at festive gatherings or enjoy it as a sweet treat on a cozy evening.

Serving advice

Serve the Assyrian Spiced Apple Delight at room temperature for the best flavor and texture. For an elegant presentation, place each apple on a small dessert plate and garnish with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon and a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Assyrian Spiced Apple Delight on a decorative platter, allowing the vibrant caramel coating and crushed pistachios to take center stage. Consider adding a touch of greenery, such as fresh mint leaves, for an appealing visual contrast.