Apple Spoon Sweet from Pelion

🍏🥄 Apple Spoon Sweet from Pelion 🍏🥄

Apple Spoon Sweet, also known as “Glyko tou Koutaliou” in Greek, is a delightful and traditional dessert from the Pelion region of Greece. It’s a sweet preserve made from fresh apples, sugar, and various flavorings. Here’s everything you need to know about it:

📜 History:
The tradition of making spoon sweets dates back centuries in Greece. They were initially created as a way to preserve fruits and enjoy their sweetness throughout the year. The practice of making and offering spoon sweets to guests is a sign of hospitality and a common practice in many Greek households.

🍏 Components:
To prepare Apple Spoon Sweet, you will need the following ingredients:

• Fresh apples (usually small and firm)
• Sugar
• Water
• Lemon juice
• Cinnamon sticks (for flavor)
• Cloves (optional, for added aroma)
• Optionally, a pinch of grated lemon zest

👩‍🍳 Preparation Steps:

1. Peel and Core the Apples: Start by peeling the apples and removing their cores. You can leave them whole or cut them into smaller pieces, depending on your preference.

2. Prepare a Sugar Syrup: In a large pot, combine water, sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and grated lemon zest (if using). The ratio of sugar to water can vary, but a common ratio is 1:1 or 2:1 (sugar to water). Use your taste as a guide for sweetness.

3. Boil the Sugar Syrup: Place the pot over medium-high heat and bring the sugar syrup to a boil. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.

4. Add the Apples: Carefully add the peeled and cored apples to the boiling syrup. Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer.

5. Simmer Until Tender: Let the apples simmer in the syrup until they become tender and translucent. This can take anywhere from 20 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the size and type of apples. You can test their doneness by piercing them with a fork.

6. Cool and Serve: Once the apples are tender, remove the pot from the heat and let it cool to room temperature. The syrup will thicken as it cools.

7. Store: Transfer the Apple Spoon Sweet and syrup into sterilized jars. Seal the jars tightly and store them in a cool, dark place. The sweet can be enjoyed as a dessert or served with Greek yogurt, ice cream, or cheese.

⏰ Time Needed:
The time needed to prepare Apple Spoon Sweet can vary based on factors like the size and type of apples and your desired level of tenderness. On average, it can take between 1 to 1.5 hours to complete the entire process, including cooking and cooling.

Enjoy your homemade Apple Spoon Sweet, a delightful taste of Greek tradition! 🍏🥄😊

Certainly! Here is some nutrition and health information for Apple Spoon Sweet:

🍏 Nutrition Facts (Approximate Values per 1 tablespoon serving):

• Calories: 30-40 calories
• Total Fat: 0g
• Sodium: 0mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 7-10g
• Sugars: 6-9g
• Dietary Fiber: 0-1g
• Protein: 0g
• Vitamin C: 2-4% of the Daily Value (DV)
• Potassium: 1-2% of the DV

🌿 Health Information:

• Low in Fat: Apple Spoon Sweet is naturally low in fat, making it a relatively healthy dessert option.
• Moderate Calories: It’s a moderate-calorie sweet treat, suitable for occasional consumption as part of a balanced diet.
• Source of Vitamin C: Apples are a good source of vitamin C, which is an antioxidant that supports the immune system and overall health.
• Low Sodium: The recipe doesn’t typically contain added salt, so it’s low in sodium.
• Natural Sweetness: The sweetness in this dessert comes from natural sugars found in apples and sugar syrup. However, it’s still a sugary treat, so it’s best enjoyed in moderation.

While Apple Spoon Sweet can be a delightful and traditional dessert, it’s important to consume it in moderation as part of a balanced diet, especially if you are watching your sugar intake.