ππ§π° Apple Cheddar Shortcake: A Delicious Delight ππ§π°
What is it?
Apple Cheddar Shortcake is a scrumptious dessert that combines the sweet and tart flavors of apples with the savory richness of cheddar cheese, all enveloped in a tender, flaky shortcake crust. It’s a delightful fusion of sweet and savory that’s perfect for those who love a unique twist on classic desserts.
History:
The exact origin of Apple Cheddar Shortcake is not well-documented, but it likely has roots in traditional American and British baking. Apples and cheddar cheese are a classic pairing, and incorporating them into a shortcake is a creative twist on the traditional fruit shortcake.
Components:
- Apples: You’ll need 4-5 medium-sized apples, peeled, cored, and sliced.
- Cheddar Cheese: 1 cup of sharp cheddar cheese, shredded.
- Shortcake Crust: The crust is made from flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, butter, and milk.
- Sugar: Both granulated sugar for the apples and a bit of sugar for sprinkling on top of the shortcake.
- Spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg add warm, comforting flavors.
- Lemon Juice: For a hint of tartness and to prevent browning of the apples.
- Whipped Cream or Vanilla Ice Cream: Optional for serving.
Steps to Prepare:
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Prepare the Apples: In a bowl, combine the sliced apples with granulated sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Toss to coat evenly and set aside to let them macerate while you prepare the shortcake.
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Make the Shortcake Dough: In a separate bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Then, add milk and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
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Assemble the Shortcake: Preheat your oven to 375Β°F (190Β°C). Take a baking dish and layer the macerated apples at the bottom, then sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top.
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Add the Shortcake: Drop spoonfuls of the shortcake dough evenly over the apple and cheese mixture. Sprinkle a little sugar on top of the dough.
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Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes or until the shortcake is golden brown and the apples are tender.
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Serve: Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool slightly before serving. It’s fantastic when served warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Time Needed:
- Preparation: 20-25 minutes
- Baking: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 50-60 minutes
So there you have it, a delightful recipe for Apple Cheddar Shortcake that’s sure to satisfy your taste buds with its delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors. Enjoy! ππ§π°π
Certainly! Here are some nutrition facts and health information for Apple Cheddar Shortcake:
Nutrition Facts (Approximate values per serving):
- Calories: 350-400 kcal
- Total Fat: 15-20g
- Saturated Fat: 10-12g
- Cholesterol: 40-50mg
- Sodium: 250-300mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 45-50g
- Dietary Fiber: 3-4g
- Sugars: 25-30g
- Protein: 6-8g
- Vitamin C: 8-10% of the daily recommended intake
- Calcium: 15-20% of the daily recommended intake
Health Information:
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Apples are a good source of dietary fiber, vitamin C, and various antioxidants. They can contribute to digestive health and may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
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Cheddar cheese provides calcium and protein, but it is also high in saturated fat and sodium. Moderation is key when consuming cheese to maintain a healthy diet.
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Shortcake crust, while delicious, is made with butter and sugar, which can contribute to the calorie and fat content of the dessert. It should be enjoyed in moderation.
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This dessert is relatively high in sugar due to the added granulated sugar and natural sugars from the apples. It’s best enjoyed as an occasional treat rather than a daily indulgence.
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To make it slightly healthier, consider using whole wheat flour for the shortcake crust and reducing the amount of sugar in the apple filling.
Remember that the specific nutritional values can vary based on the exact ingredients and portion sizes used in your recipe. It’s always a good idea to enjoy such desserts in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
