๐๐งA Fabulous Cheese Souffle and Applesauce with Cinnamon, Maple syrup and Bas Armagnac!๐๐ง
The Essence of Autumn Comfort Food
Tonight, our meal embodied the essence of French comfort food, a symphony of flavors that nurtures warmth and togetherness. Picture this: Jacque Pepin's Maman's Cheese Soufflรฉ, and a salad of crisp greens kissed by a mustardy, garlicky vinaigrette (recipe below). Please try this souffleโ recipe. Itโs so easy and possibly the best Iโve ever eaten. The aroma when itโs baking is so comforting, and it just tastes like home. It needs absolutely nothing to adorn it. Itโs just perfect.
Yet, amidst this symphony of richness, a sweet-tart companion emergesโa homemade applesauce inspired by my love for crispy, juicy apples - especially those that come from my backyard! This applesauce, prepared in the loving warm embrace of my trusty Instapot, may just be the quickest route to autumnal bliss. You see, there's something magical about cooking with simplicity AND a touch of indulgence. In this case, a 1997 Armagnac, the very essence of delicious, blesses the otherwise simple recipe.
RECIPE: Homemade Applesauce with Armagnac
Let's begin shall we! Here's what you'll need:
๐ 8 mixed apples, sliced and cubed (peels left on for that rustic charm)
๐ง 3 tablespoons of butter
๐ 1 cup of apple juice or cider
๐ฅ 1/2 a cup of Armagnac, Calvados, or brandy
๐ 1 tablespoon of Chinese 5 spice or pumpkin pie spice (the aromatic decision is yours)
๐ 1/2 cup of real maple syrup
๐ฏ 2 tablespoons of organic honey
The magic unfolds effortlessly: into the Instapot it all goes, then cook everything on high pressure for a mere 28 minutes. As the flavors blend, your kitchen will be filled with the enticing aroma of simmering apples. Once itโs done, release the steam, lift the lid, and activate the sautรฉ feature for a final 15 minutes, allowing the luscious mixture to reduce and intensify.
This delicious applesauce pairs divinely with just about anything that craves a touch of apple goodness. But here's a delightful twistโdon't discard those strained juices! They hold the potential to become an exquisite cocktail syrup. Simply transfer them to a pan, add a dash more honey, and let it all simmer for another 15 minutes. Chill, and you have at your disposal a syrup that elevates your tea, graces your pancakes, crowns your ice cream, and lends its essence to a fragrant Manhattan. Any leftovers, if by some miracle you have them, freeze beautifully.
RECIPE: My Favorite Mustardy, Garlicky Vinaigrette!
Here's a simple and flavorful mustardy garlicky vinaigrette recipe for you, easily prepared and shaken up in a mason jar!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (adjust to taste, depending on your preference for garlic)
- 2 tablespoons tarragon Dijon mustard (adjust to taste for desired level of tanginess)
- 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar (you can also use red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh tarragon leaves (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
1. Take a clean mason jar with a tight-fitting lid. Using a mason jar is convenient for mixing and storing the vinaigrette.
2. Add the minced garlic, tarragon Dijon mustard, white wine vinegar, fresh lemon juice, and honey (if using) to the mason jar.
3. Season with a pinch of salt and a few cracks of freshly ground black pepper.
4. Pour in the extra virgin olive oil.
5. Seal the mason jar tightly with its lid.
6. Shake the jar vigorously for about 15-20 seconds until all the ingredients are well combined and the vinaigrette has emulsified.
7. Taste the vinaigrette and adjust the seasonings according to your preferences. You can add more mustard for extra tanginess, more honey for sweetness, or more salt and pepper to taste.
8. If you like, you can add a few fresh tarragon leaves to infuse extra flavor. Simply place them in the jar and give it a gentle shake.
9. Once you're satisfied with the taste, your mustardy garlicky vinaigrette is ready to use!
10. Drizzle it over your favorite salad greens, roasted vegetables, or grilled meats, and enjoy the deliciously tangy and aromatic flavors.
11. Store any leftover vinaigrette in the sealed mason jar in the refrigerator for up to a week. Give it a good shake before each use to re-emulsify the ingredients.
This homemade vinaigrette adds a burst of flavor to your dishes and is perfect for enhancing the taste of salads and other culinary creations. Enjoy! ๐ฅ ๐ด ๐ฟ
So, gather around the table with your dearest friends and family, for a meal that embodies the warm spirit of the cozy season. Here's to good food, cherished company, and the simple indulgences that make life sweet. ๐ฝ๏ธ ๐ ๐ฅ โจ
Make It Your Own
Now imagine, as the nightโs glow begins to peek through the windowpanes, and the comforting scent of cooked apples lingers in the air, consider how you might weave your own thread into the rich tapestry of this culinary narrative. Perhaps you have a cherished family recipe that speaks of your heritage and the heartwarming gatherings that go with it, or an innovative twist on a classic that you've been eager to share. This is your invitation to infuse your essence into these recipes, to adorn them with your personal touch, and make the warmth of the meal radiate with stories only you can tell.
Let your heart guide you; create a haven within your home where laughter resonates, candlelight flickers, and culinary delights await. Allow each bite to be an exploration, each sip a journey. Transform your dining space into a cocoon of happiness, a refuge from the brisk outdoor chill. This is about more than just savoring flavors; it's about cherishing the moment, sowing the seeds of togetherness, and harvesting memories. So, gather your loved ones, set the table with intention, and toast to the joy of creation. Make this experience uniquely yours, and in doing so, let the simple act of a shared meal become a celebration of connection and comfort.
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