A few years ago, we went to Canada. A trip we decided to take before being thrust into the hectic adventure of parenthood, as I was 4 months pregnant at the time. Before I left, I learned that I had gestational diabetes. Ouch! And here I was, dreaming of poutine and maple syrup popcorn galore!
But I discovered in Canada a recipe that I used (and abused ^^) throughout my pregnancy and that still delights the whole family: apple butter.
An incredibly yummy spread, not very sweet, with a fondant texture and a warming flavour, just like a big hug!
Ingredients :
- 800g Golden apples
- 1 vanilla pod
- 80g maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon of 4 spice mix, or gingerbread spices
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 4 heaped tablespoons white almond puree (no added sugar)
- ½ teaspoon of sea salt
Tips:
- It's even better if you let the apples age a bit (when the skin starts to wrinkle 🤣 )
- Maple syrup is a great anti-diabetes ally, but its glycemic index is quite high. Choose agave syrup instead for a lighter but just as tasty recipe.
- Short of gingerbread spices? Opt for cinnamon.
- You don't have a vanilla bean? 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract will do the trick 😉
Step 1:
Peel the apples, remove the cores, and cut the apples into pieces.
Open the vanilla pod in half lengthwise, and remove the seeds with the tip of a knife.
Step 2:
Put the apples in a saucepan with 1 tablespoon of water, the vanilla, maple syrup, spices and vinegar.
Cook the apples, over medium to low heat, until they are reduced to a compote (20 to 30 min), stirring regularly. The idea is to obtain a nice compote.
Leave to cool for a few minutes, then add the almond puree and the fleur de sel and blend (I use a hand blender) until the texture is smooth.
Now you just have to pour it into a jam jar! With the quantity of apples I suggest, you can fill a large 650g jar.
Step 3:
Place it in the fridge for at least 2 hours before eating. Personally, I leave it overnight.
The apple butter will keep for 10 to 15 days maximum. Remember to put it back in the fridge between each use. Otherwise it may ferment.
This spread spreads essentially just like butter! Light, tasty and original, it will enhance your brunches, breakfasts or desserts. It replaces butter on toast, pancakes, etc. It can also add that little extra kick to yoghurt, cake or madeleines!
→ My suggestion for Christmas: apple butter, a homemade gourmet gift!
- Buy small jam jars (Mason jar ...) and fill them with apple butter.
- Choose pretty ribbons, cords or raffia, add small decorations like a small Christmas tree, mini Christmas baubles...
- Finish with a kraft label with the name of the person to whom you are going to give this little treat.
This recipe accompanies us all through the autumn and into the winter. My dad loves it and I can be sure that if there are any in the fridge... he'll leave with it 🤣 Anyway... Success guaranteed!