Recipe
Baked Apples in Cinnamon and Star Anise Syrup
Prep Time:
Cook Time:
Yield:
4-6 persons
It has been a while since I last posted a dessert recipe, a French one, to be even more specific.
Back in the time when I first started blogging, I posted a recipe of baked apples. Every now and then, I still make it as it’s really easy and great in flavours.
I was first introduced to this humble dessert by my mother-in-law. She lives in the region of Normandy (North-West of France). A region that is not only famous for its dairy products but also for its apple brandy – Calvados. So, really, it’s a region of apple and dairy products (especially cheese, butter, cream etc… a bit off topic, but I’d love to talk about cheeses from Normandy one day!)
When I had my first taste of baked apple, I never knew it would have such great impact upon me. A simple dessert like this reflects greatly on the quality of the produce. I began to understand the meaning of ‘terroir’. Terroir is a French word when translated to English, it simply means region. However, it has a deeper meaning than just the word region.
Terroir is used to describe the characteristics of climate, soil and physical features of an area. Each region in France is said to have unique soil, weather conditions and farming techniques that impact the quality of the crops grown in that particular region. So, why Normandy is specifically known for its apple and dairy products? It’s because of the uniqueness of the topography, geography and climate.
Though I can’t get some apples from the region of Normandy, I normally use Royal Gala, Cox or Braeburn. This time, I make this slightly different by making a cinnamon and star anise infused syrup to go with it. The only thing that would have make it even better is a big scoop of vanilla ice cream!
Baked Apples in Cinnamon and Star Anise Syrup
Prep Time:
Cook Time:
Yield:
4-6 persons
Ingredients:
For the Baked Apples in Cinnamon and Star Anise Syrup:
1kg cooking apples
100g sugar
1 cinnamon stick
1 star anise
1 tsp lime zest
1 lime juice
Method:
1. Pre-heat the oven at 180ºC. Meanwhile, remove the core of each apple, rinse and dry. Transfer to a baking dish and bake for 30 minutes or until the flesh is soft.
2. To make the syrup, add the sugar, cinnamon stick, star anise, lime zest, lime juice and 300ml of water into a saucepan over medium-low heat. Cook for about 15 minutes or until the syrup starts to thicken. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. About 15 minutes into baking the apples, remove the baking dish from the oven and pour over half of the syrup. Return into the oven and bake until the end of the cooking time. Serve at room temperature and serve with extra syrup if liked.
A delicious combination! Those refined flavors are just fabulous.
Cheers,
Rosa
Thanks Rosa.
Yum! Love poached fruits as desserts. Another favourite dessert of mine is poached pears in red wine and served with a dollop of vanilla ice cream.
I love poached pears with vanilla ice cream too! A classic beauty!
Leemei, I have a photography related question. I see you shoot alot of food images with a view from above (i.e. bird-eye view). I find it hard to get everything tack sharp when shooting from above. Any tips or technique you can share?
Thanks 🙂
Hi Mei Teng,
Tripod with horizontal arm is the best solution. Handheld is fine with you can make sure sturdy grip.
I like handheld and it gives me a lot of flexibility in movements and I do have steady hands. What I normally do is to take a deep breath before I shoot (just to make sure there is no tiny movements of hands!)
These baked apples look gorgeous! Great way to serve it as aftermeal dessert 🙂
Yup! Very simple and delicious.. 🙂
Wow….beautiful photography, Leemei! Love how simple it looks yet really gorgeous click. I love star anise syrup, great twist!
Thank you for your kind words, Nami!
SImple but absolutely beautiful! I will have to give it a go soon!
Thanks! It’s really simple to make. 🙂
This is another new dessert to try baked apples is very different. Can i substitute star anise into vanilla syrup?, because I really don’t like the taste of anise. If it’s possible I would definitely try this at home.
_______________________________
Kitchen Cooking tips and hints
Yes, you can use vanilla syrup.
Absolutely beautiful presentation! I love that blue rimmed dish.
Thanks Sylvie.
looks absolutely divine – as always 🙂
Thanks sweety!
I would drop my poached pears for this one, Mmmmm looks so good. And thanks for visiting my blog
It’s been pleasure to know you and your blog!
Mouthwatering and tasty recipe. Fantastic photography…just stunning!
Thanks Sandra!
wah… so sedap 😀
Oh, this kind of simple dessert is absolutely the love of my life! Cinnamon and star anise really could merry each other, they are soulmate! I could tell that your dessert is delicate and delicious, definitely bookmarked!
Yes cinnamon and star anise are some of those spices that I love. They are great together!
They look lovely, really really nice. The star anise is a nice touch – will be giving this a try!
Thank you for your kind words. 😉 Give it a go and let me know.