California Fusion Potato and Apple Mash

Ingredients

In this California adaptation, the traditional German Himmel und Erde is transformed into a fusion dish by incorporating the flavors of California cuisine. The original dish typically consists of mashed potatoes, apples, and black pudding. However, in this recipe, the black pudding is omitted, and the apples are sautéed with cinnamon and brown sugar to enhance their natural sweetness. The result is a lighter and more vibrant version of the traditional dish. We alse have the original recipe for Himmel und Erde, so you can check it out.

• 2 pounds (900g) Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed 2 pounds (900g) Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter 2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste
• 2 tablespoons (28g) olive oil 2 tablespoons (28g) olive oil
• 2 apples, peeled, cored, and diced 2 apples, peeled, cored, and diced
• 1 tablespoon (12g) brown sugar 1 tablespoon (12g) brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 16g, 9g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 40g, 10g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 0.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Place the peeled and cubed potatoes in a large pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook until tender, approximately 15-20 minutes. Drain the potatoes.
2. 2.
   In a separate small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add the heavy cream and warm gently.
3. 3.
   Mash the cooked potatoes using a potato masher or a fork until smooth. Gradually pour in the warm cream mixture while continuing to mash until well combined. Season with salt to taste.
4. 4.
   In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced apples and sauté until they begin to soften, approximately 5 minutes.
5. 5.
   Sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon over the apples and continue to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the apples are tender and caramelized.
6. 6.
   Remove the skillet from heat and gently fold the sautéed apples into the mashed potatoes until evenly distributed.
7. 7.
   Serve the Golden State Mash warm as a side dish alongside your favorite main course.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Potatoes — Make sure to cube the potatoes evenly to ensure even cooking.
• Apples — Choose firm apples such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a nice texture in the mash.

Tips & Tricks

• For a touch of freshness, garnish the Golden State Mash with chopped chives or parsley before serving.
• Experiment with different apple varieties to find your preferred balance of sweetness and tartness.
• If you prefer a smoother texture, use a blender or food processor to puree the mashed potatoes.
• Add a squeeze of lemon juice to the sautéed apples for a tangy twist.
• To make it more indulgent, sprinkle some crispy bacon bits on top of the mash.

Serving advice

Serve the Golden State Mash as a side dish alongside roasted chicken, grilled steak, or pan-seared salmon. It also pairs well with a fresh green salad for a light and satisfying meal.

Presentation advice

Scoop the Golden State Mash onto a serving platter or individual plates, creating a smooth and even surface. Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped chives or parsley for a pop of color. Serve it alongside the main course, allowing the vibrant colors of the mash to complement the other dishes on the table.