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Old-Fashioned Baked Apple Slices with Vanilla Ice Cream: A Timeless Delight

In the realm of comforting desserts, few recipes can evoke the same nostalgic warmth as Old-Fashioned Baked Apple Slices. This delightful dish, often reminiscent of simpler times, celebrates the humble apple’s natural sweetness and pairs impeccably with a generous scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. Whether served as a cosy family dessert or a charming addition to a dinner party, baked apple slices are a testament to the beauty of traditional cooking and the joy of homemade treats.

A Taste of Tradition

Baked apples have been enjoyed for centuries, with variations appearing in countless cultures. The fundamental concept remains the same: fresh apples are sliced, baked to tender perfection, and often enhanced with spices, sugar, and a touch of butter. This simple yet delectable combination transforms the apples, intensifying their flavour and creating a comforting dish that embodies the essence of home cooking.

The Perfect Apples

Selecting the right variety of apple is crucial to achieving the best results. While any cooking apple can be used, varieties such as Bramley, Cox’s Orange Pippin, or Granny Smith are particularly well-suited for baking. The tartness of these apples provides a delightful contrast to the sweetness of the sugar and spices, ensuring a balanced flavour profile. Choose apples that are firm and unblemished to guarantee a satisfying texture in your baked slices.

Ingredients You Will Need

Here’s a classic recipe to guide you through the process of making Old-Fashioned Baked Apple Slices with Vanilla Ice Cream:

For the Baked Apple Slices:

• 4 large cooking apples (e.g., Bramley)
• 100g sugar (adjust based on your sweetness preference)
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 50g butter
• 1 lemon (juice and zest)
• 100ml water

To Serve:

• Good quality vanilla ice cream

Method

1. Preparation of Apples: Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) or 350°F. Begin by peeling, coring, and slicing the apples into even wedges, about 1 cm thick. This ensures they cook uniformly.

2. Toss with Flavours: In a large bowl, combine the apple wedges with the sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, and zest. Toss gently until the apples are evenly coated with the mixture.

3. Assemble in Dish: Place the spiced apple slices in a buttered baking dish, arranging them in a single layer if possible. Dot the top with small pieces of butter. Pour the water around the edges of the dish to help create a lovely steamy environment as the apples bake.

4. Bake to Perfection: Cover the dish with aluminium foil and bake for 25 minutes. After this time, remove the foil to allow the apples to brown slightly, and bake for an additional 15 minutes until tender and golden.

5. Serving Suggestion: Once out of the oven, let the baked apple slices rest for a few minutes. Serve warm with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream melting on top, allowing the creaminess to mingle with the caramelised apple sweetness.

The Joy of Serving

As the aroma of baked apples wafts through your home, it is impossible not to feel a sense of comfort and nostalgia. This dish is perfect for those chilly autumn evenings or as a delightful treat to wrap up a hearty Sunday roast. The contrast between the warm, spiced apples and the cold, smooth ice cream creates a sensory experience that is both satisfying and indulgent.

A Lasting Legacy

Old-Fashioned Baked Apple Slices with Vanilla Ice Cream is more than just a dessert; it is a slice of history, echoing the culinary traditions passed down through generations. In a world that often leans towards the ultra-modern, this sweet, straightforward dish reminds us of the pleasures found in simplicity. So, gather your loved ones, whip up this timeless treat, and let the warmth of baked apples bring a touch of nostalgia to your table.