Around the World, USA
Today we are spotlighting a fantastic community of change-makers from the USA – The Produce Moms, founded by Lori Taylor. This community is on a mission to put more fruits and vegetables on every table to “change how America eats!” Some of the ways The Produce Moms aim to achieve this is by educating moms and talking with school officials and lawmakers to increase the availability of fresh produce in school meals and other child nutrition programs.
Last month we shared one of their recipes from social media on our newsletter, and with their permission, we are now sharing that recipe with you here!
Poached Ambrosia Apples
Original recipe by The Produce Moms
Tender apples with warm and comforting vanilla and cinnamon syrup to spice up your favourite dessert and breakfast foods. This recipe comes together in about 20 minutes and can be eaten warm or cold.
Ingredients
- 3 Ambrosia apples, cored and peeled
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 3 cups water
- 1/2 orange skin removed in wide strips with a vegetable peeler
- 1/2 lemon skin removed in wide strips with a vegetable peeler
- 1 piece thin cinnamon stick about 1½ inches long
- 1 Tbsp vanilla extract
- 2 pieces of star anise optional
Instructions
- Use a peeler to take the skin off of your apples. Then place your apple on a level surface. Put your apple core remover above the core in the center of an apple. Firmly press down and hold the apple in place. Repeat with the other two apples.
- Put all the ingredients – except the Ambrosia apples – in a large saucepan: honey, sugar, water, zest and juice of lemon and orange, vanilla, and star anise (if using). Turn the heat to medium-high, and bring to a boil. As soon as the liquid starts to boil, reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 5 minutes. It should thicken to a syrup-like consistency.
- Gently place the Ambrosia apples into the pan so the syrup doesn’t splatter. Bring the syrup back to a simmer. Cover the pan with a lid and cook for 10-15 minutes or until a knife can easily be inserted into the apples. Check early and often to avoid overcooking. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the apples to a bowl.
- Turn up the heat and boil the syrup for another 10 minutes. You should end up with about 1¼ cups of naturally sweet syrup. Pour the syrup over the apples. Cover, and let the apples cool until slightly warm or at room temperature.
Serve by itself or with your favourite breakfast or dessert!
To learn more about The Produce Moms and their world-changing initiatives, visit https://www.theproducemoms.com/