Bev's Own Stewed Apples

Bev's Own Stewed Apples: A Taste of Home

The scent of cinnamon and nutmeg, the sweet and tart taste of perfectly stewed apples – these are the flavors of autumn in my home. It all started with my mom. She never measured, never followed a recipe, yet every batch of her stewed apples was a masterpiece. It was a simple dish, but it held a special place on our family table, often replacing applesauce as a comforting side to our evening meals. The warm, spiced apples were a perfect complement to hearty fall dinners, and even more delightful served as a dessert, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or nestled alongside a slice of gingerbread. The memory of those apples is so vivid – the tender, slightly caramelized slices, bathed in a rich, flavorful sauce; the warmth radiating from the bowl, comforting and familiar. It was a taste of home, a taste of childhood, a taste of love.

Years later, with my own family gathered around the table, I found myself craving those same familiar flavors. My mom’s recipe was, shall we say, a bit… elusive. So, I embarked on a quest to recreate the magic, to capture the essence of those perfectly stewed apples. This recipe is the result of that journey – a tribute to my mom's culinary intuition and a delicious tradition that now holds a special place in my own family's gatherings. It's more than just a recipe; it's a story, a memory, a love letter written in apples, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

More than a side dish: While this recipe is perfectly delicious served alongside a hearty roast chicken or a comforting pork loin, its versatility extends far beyond the realm of side dishes. Imagine the delightful contrast of the warm, spiced apples against the cool creaminess of vanilla ice cream. Or picture the tender apples nestled atop a slice of warm gingerbread cake, the flavors mingling in a symphony of autumnal delight. A dollop of whipped cream elevates the experience to a new level of indulgence, transforming a simple side into a decadent dessert fit for any occasion. The possibilities are endless, limited only by your imagination and the abundance of delicious desserts that await.

Apples for every occasion: I've found that the type of apple you choose can significantly impact the final product. Granny Smith apples, with their tartness and firm texture, are my personal favorite for this recipe. They hold their shape beautifully while stewing, providing a satisfying bite even after prolonged cooking. However, feel free to experiment with other varieties. A blend of apples, incorporating both sweet and tart options, can yield a uniquely balanced flavor profile. Perhaps a combination of Honeycrisp and Braeburn apples would produce a delightfully sweet and juicy result. The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability; feel free to personalize it to your own taste and preferences.

A simple pleasure: Beyond the delicious results, the process of making these stewed apples is a wonderfully simple and meditative experience. The gentle simmering, the fragrant spices filling the air, the quiet moments spent stirring and watching the apples transform – it's a small act of self-care, a moment of mindfulness amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life. The warmth of the kitchen, the aroma of autumn spices, the comforting sound of simmering apples – these are the elements that make this recipe so much more than just a dish. It's a connection to the past, a celebration of the present, and a promise of comfort for the future.

So, as the leaves change color and a chill creeps into the air, gather your ingredients and let the magic begin. Make a batch of Bev's Stewed Apples – a taste of home, a taste of autumn, and a taste of love.

Step-by-step

• In a 10" skillet (w/lid) melt butter over medium heat; turn off heat.
• Mix in sugar and brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and add 1/2 cup water, stirring to combine.
• Bring mixture to a boil and allow to boil until beginning to thicken.
• Reduce heat to medium; stir in apple slices, turning to coat.
• Cook over medium to medium high heat 4-5 minutes, stirring, allowing sauce to continue to thicken.
• Reduce heat to low, cover apples and cook until tender, stirring occasionally, another 5-10 minutes, adding more water if necessary, until apples are tender (cooking time will depend on the thickness of your apple slices).
• Sauce will thicken as it cools.