Warm Spice-Stewed Apples
a perfect topping for yogurt & ice cream
I know this current cooler spell we’re experiencing will be interrupted by a late summer interlude before we really settle into fall, but for now, I’m enjoying needing a jacket on my morning walks. I managed to do more canning than I thought this year, putting up a few batches of peach, apricot, and strawberry jams.
Most of summer’s fruits have exited the farm stands, making way for apples and pears. I’ve never been one for making (or eating) apple butter but recently decided to make some stewed apples. They’re lovely spooned over yogurt or ice cream. The real reason I made them is for a recipe coming soon. It’s one I think you’ll be excited to try, and involves biscuits with a crumb topping.
I love the deep amber flavor from using brown sugar but regular granulated sugar would work fine. Fall also cues my baking senses leaning into lebkuchengewürz, a German gingerbread spice. It’s considerably more fragrant and packs a heftier punch than apple or pumpkin pie spice. You can make it at home but cinnamon is also okay to use if that’s what you have available or prefer a more straightforward spice profile.
Unless you have any allergies or need to avoid corn, please don’t skip the cornstarch called for in the recipe. It’s a tiny amount but helps thicken the syrupy sauce coating the stewed apples, and gives it a glossy, velvety texture.
I used gala apples since that’s what I tend to buy for eating. Most apple baking purists would frown upon that but this is such a forgiving preparation. Granny Smiths, Honeycrisp, Jonagold—really any apple you prefer would be fine to use.
The only caveat I’d keep in mind is that some varieties hold their texture better than others, so a visual cue won’t always be helpful when determing doneness. Gala apples, for example, retain their firm-looking cut up cubed shape even once tender. When the apples are easily pierced with a fork, they’re ready to enjoy.
Wishing everyone a gentle settling back into routines as we bid farewell to summer. Be well, and remember to be kind. —xo, j.
