apples – Inspiration

Baked Apple Roses

Stokes — Thu, 17 Aug 2023 20:00:00 +0000

Roses are red, and so are apples! A traditional bouquet of roses is a tried and tested way to someone’s heart – but this recipe for beautiful baked apple roses is sure to win over anyones’ stomach. These baked apple roses are so beautiful and intricate and make the perfect gift. Perfect for an Autumn potluck, or when you want to make something special that is sure to impress.

I know what you’re thinking, “I’m not a pastry chef, there is no way I can make roses out of apples!”, and that’s where we’re here for you to help make the process as simple and straightforward to follow! Trust us, by the end of this recipe, you’ll be able to make a whole bouquet of these baked apple roses.

Here’s what you need:

Ingredients:

1 large red apple, cored and very thinly sliced

¼ cup white sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed

¼ cup melted butter

1 egg

2 teaspoons water

1 teaspoon confectioners’ sugar

Preparation:

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Butter a muffin pan and dust with white sugar.

Place apple slices on a plate, overlapping slightly if necessary. Microwave on High for about 45 seconds just until slices have softened a bit. Cover plate with plastic wrap and a kitchen towel.

Mix together sugar and cinnamon in a bowl.

Roll puff pastry sheet to less than 1/8-inch thickness. Using a pizza cutter, cut two 3-inch by 12-inch rectangles. Reserve remaining pieces for another use.

Spread melted butter over dough; top with a generous amount of cinnamon-sugar. Place apple slices along 1 long edge of dough, about 1/4 inch beyond the edge of dough, overlapping slices slightly. Fold bottom half of dough over the apple slices to form a long “folder” of dough with rounded edges of apple slices exposed.

Beat egg and water together in a bowl. Paint the surface of dough with egg wash. Sprinkle with more cinnamon-sugar, to taste.

Starting from one end, roll dough not too tightly to form a rose-shaped pastry. Seal roll with the end of the dough strip.

Transfer roses to a prepared muffin pan. Sprinkle it with a little more cinnamon-sugar. Place the muffin pan directly on the middle rack of your preheated oven.

Bake until well browned, about 45 minutes. Remove your muffin pan out of the oven and let the roses cool for 5 to 10 minutes. Dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving. Don’t forget to snap a picture of these beautiful “flowers”!

What did Shakespeare say? “A rose by any other name would smell as sweet”, in this case, these baked apples roses smell as divine as they taste! Show us your roses! If you make this recipe and want to share with us, tag us on Instagram @stokesstores and use the hashtag #StokesMoments.

Apple Cranberry Spice Cocktails

Stokes — Mon, 19 Sep 2022 07:16:00 +0000

What if you could take all of the best flavours of the Fall season and put them in a cocktail? These drinks do exactly that! Festive, refreshing and delicious, this Autumn twist on a sangria or apple cider is so delicious – the perfect cocktail to kick off your next Friendsgiving celebration!

Here’s what you need:

Ingredients:

4 ounces vodka

4 ounces apple juice

1 ounce cranberry juice or cranberry cocktail

20 fresh cranberries plus more for garnish

2 cinnamon sticks

crushed ice

Preparation:

In tall glass, muddle or crush cranberries.

Add vodka, apple juice and cranberry juice.

Stir vigorously with cinnamon sticks then pour over ice.

Garnish with cinnamon sticks, more cranberries, and apple slices or mint if desired.

However you’re celebrating Thanksgiving this year, give yourself a treat and make this cocktail – it tastes as good as it smells and is the perfect way to welcome the beginning of the festive Holiday season. If you make this recipe and want to share with us, tag us on Instagram @stokesstores and use the hashtag #StokesMoments.

A Simple & Comforting Autumn Recipe: Apple Crumble

Stokes — Sun, 18 Sep 2022 19:32:00 +0000

There is no better recipe to welcome the changing of the leaves and that crisp Autumn air than a warm, Apple Crumble. Taking one of the season’s iconic fruits and turning it into something so comforting and delicious is only one of the magical things we love about the Fall. Make this for your next Harry Potter movie marathon – it’s easier than you think and a crowd favourite!

Here’s what you need:

Ingredients:

Filling:

2 lb Granny Smith Apples, cored and peeled

1 tbsp white flour

1/2 cup white sugar

2 tbsp lemon juice

1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

Crumble Topping:

1 cup rolled oats / oatmeal

1 cup white flour

1 cup brown sugar (loosely packed)

1/2 tsp baking powder

1 tsp cinnamon powder

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

Pinch of salt

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 350F/180C.

Peel apples, then cut into 1.5cm/ 3/5” cubes.

Place apple in a bowl. Sprinkle with flour, sugar and cinnamon, then pour over lemon juice. Toss, then spread out evenly in a 1.5 litre baking dish.

Place the ingredients for the toppings in a bowl. Mix until clumps form. Spread the topping over the apples, crumbling with fingers if required to get that crumbly finish.

Bake for 30 to 40 minutes or until golden brown. Remove, cover loosely with foil to keep warm and let stand for 10 minutes before serving to give a chance for the apples to set.

The only way we recommend serving this is with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream on top! If you make this recipe and want to share with us, tag us on Instagram @stokesstores and use the hashtag #StokesMoments.

Priscila’s Kitchen Product Review: 3-in-1 Apple Machine

Stokes — Sat, 17 Sep 2022 19:56:00 +0000

I love kitchen gadgets that serve more than one purpose, which is why I couldn’t wait to review this 3-in-1 Apple machine that peels, spirals and cores. Its simple design is ultra-functional, allowing you to adjust for maximum versatility. While apple spirals are fun in salads, it’s great that you remove the spiralizer/ coring part if all you want is to peel your apples quickly! The peeler also adjusts from keeping the peel on to various degrees of thickness…which is great because I don’t like wasting so I set mine to peel ultra thin!

Here are a couple of tips to keep in mind while using this nifty little gadget:

1.Make sure it’s well anchored to a clean counter. If there is debris, either on the counter or under the machine, it won’t stay in place which will make it difficult to use.

2.If you decide to remove any parts, store them in resealable bag so that you don’t lose any of the small pieces.

3.Rinse in hot water immediately after use to ensure no bits of apple get stuck on.

Happy apple season everyone! Don’t forget to share pictures of your recipes using the 3-in-1 Apple Machine by tagging @stokesstores and @cookeatlivehappy.

Wedding Favours: Simple Chocolate Covered Apples

Stokes — Mon, 16 Sep 2019 16:00:10 +0000

Fall is a beautiful season and also a very popular time to get married! Here, we have a simple wedding favor that’s perfect for your fall wedding: Chocolate apples.

If you want to save money and go the DIY route, chocolate apples are the way to go. They’re far easier than caramel apples and can be customized to look how you want.

This is a simple recipe that explains how to make simple chocolate apples from home. All you need is a double boiler, apples, chocolate and a baking sheet for easy clean up.

Yes, it does take a bit of time, but the steps are simple and you can’t really go wrong. Plus, if the decor ends up being a bit messy looking, they’ll still taste delicious!

How to Decorate Chocolate Apples:

Again, these are so easy to customize to your liking. Use white, milk or dark chocolate (or a mix). Add candy or nuts. The possibilities are endless! Here are a few ideas:

Dark chocolate with a white chocolate drizzle
Milk chocolate with a dark or white chocolate drizzle
White chocolate with milk or dark chocolate drizzle
White chocolate with a white chocolate drizzle and silver candy or sprinkles
Add crushed nuts (if there are no allergies!)
Add crushed candy, such as M&M’s (choose colors that match your wedding!)

Whether you’re looking for a simple fall wedding favor, a fun project with kids or just a good treat to enjoy at home this season, chocolate apples are always a good option.

Simple Chocolate Covered Apples

Ingredients:

8 apples (use your favorite)

2 cups chocolate chips (milk, dark or white)

Suggested Toppings:

Chocolate of a different color (milk, dark or white), to drizzle

Crushed nuts

Crushed candies (M&M’s, etc.)

Sprinkles

Instructions:

1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper (for easier clean up).

2. Clean the apples and dry them completely. Remove the tip of each apple and press a stick in the center of each apple. You want the stick to go deep enough so that it doesn’t fall, but not too deep as to pierce through to the other side. Place the apples on the prepared sheet. Set aside.

3. Bring water to a boil in a double boiler.

4. Add your chocolate of choice to the double boiler and stir frequently until melted, between 5-10 minutes. Once melted, remove from heat.

5. Dip each apple in the chocolate, using a spatula to coat the apples in chocolate as needed. You can completely cover the apple in chocolate or just cover part of it if preferred.

6. Place the apples back on the baking sheet and place in the fridge to harden. (See notes)

7. If decorating with a chocolate drizzle, melt a small amount of chocolate (you can clean and use the same double boiler or melt a small quantity in the microwave, 15 seconds at a time).

8. Drizzle the chocolate over the apples using a spoon.

9. Top with sprinkles or candy while the chocolate drizzle is still melted. This will help the candies or nuts stick.

10. Refrigerate until hard, about 30 minutes. You can then wrap them individually in cellophane wrap or paper bags, closed with a ribbon. Otherwise, they keep well in the fridge unwrapped for a few days.

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Total Time 40

Servings 8

Notes:
If you’re not adding a chocolate drizzle, add the other toppings (nuts, candy, etc.) before placing the chocolate apples in the fridge to harden.

It’s best to use melting chocolate for this recipe to get the smoothest look possible. Not every chocolate is created equal. Also, if your chocolate is hard to drizzle, add a small amount of melted coconut oil.

Follow @unsweetened.caroline for more tasty recipes like these ones and don’t forget to tag @stokesstores in your photos!