Forget apple pie – let's talk about grilled apples! This incredibly simple recipe transforms ordinary apples into a sweet and smoky treat, perfect as a dessert, a side dish, or even a unique topping for your favorite breakfast oatmeal. It’s a fantastic example of how quick dinner ideas can be both healthy and incredibly delicious. Get ready to elevate your homemade cooking game with this surprisingly delightful recipe.
Ingredients:
- 4 medium apples (such as Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala – choose firm, flavorful varieties)
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
- Optional: A sprinkle of sea salt for enhancing the sweetness
Instructions:
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Prep the Apples: Wash and thoroughly dry the apples. Core the apples, leaving them whole or cutting them into halves or quarters, depending on your preference and the size of your grill grates.
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Create the Flavor Blend: In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. Mix well until a smooth paste forms. If using, add a pinch of sea salt now.
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Coat the Apples: Generously coat each apple (or apple slice) with the butter-sugar mixture, ensuring all surfaces are evenly covered.
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Grill the Apples: Preheat your grill to medium heat. Place the prepared apples directly on the grill grates.
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Cooking Time: Grill the apples for approximately 3-5 minutes per side, or until they are tender and slightly caramelized. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning; cooking time will vary depending on the size of the apple pieces and the heat of your grill. Smaller pieces will cook faster.
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Serve and Enjoy: Remove the apples from the grill and let them cool slightly before serving. These are delicious served warm, either on their own or as part of a larger dish.
Tips for Grilling Apples:
- Choose the Right Apples: Firm apples hold their shape better on the grill. Avoid overly ripe or soft apples.
- Don't Overcrowd the Grill: Allow space between the apples for even cooking and to prevent steaming.
- Adjust Cooking Time: Thicker apple slices will require longer grilling time. Use a fork or knife to check for tenderness.
- Watch for Burning: Medium heat is key; high heat can lead to burning before the apples are cooked through.
Variations:
- Maple Glaze: Replace the brown sugar with maple syrup for a richer, more complex flavor.
- Spiced Rum: Add a teaspoon of spiced rum to the butter mixture for an adult twist.
- Citrus Zest: Incorporate a little lemon or orange zest into the spice blend for a bright, refreshing note.
- Peanut Butter Twist: For a unique flavor profile, try adding a tablespoon of peanut butter to the butter mixture.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate values):
This will vary depending on the size of the apples and the amount of butter and sugar used. However, a general estimate for a medium apple grilled with 1 tablespoon of butter and 1/4 of the brown sugar mixture would contain roughly:
- Calories: 150-200
- Fat: 8-10g
- Carbohydrates: 25-30g
- Sugar: 15-20g
Enjoy these delicious grilled apples! They're a simple yet impressive addition to any meal. They are a fantastic healthy meal option, and are perfect for easy recipes or quick dinner ideas, highlighting the best of homemade cooking. Let me know in the comments how you enjoyed them!