Baked apples and pears with orange
Origin of the recipe
The recipe originates from the traditions of European home cooking, where fruit was baked with honey and nuts as a simple yet festive dessert. Orange was added later, as citrus fruits spread across Northern Europe, for freshness and balance of sweetness. This dish was often prepared in the fall and winter, using seasonal fruits and enhancing their flavor with natural ingredients, without baking.
What do you need for cooking?
Ingredients
-
Apples
-
Pears
-
Oranges
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Butter
-
Honey
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Cinnamon
-
Nuts
Kitchen utensils
- Knife
- Board
- Spoon
- Baking tray
- Sieve
Step-by-step recipe:
Step 1:
Wash apples and pears thoroughly, cut in half and carefully remove the core and seeds.
Step 2:
Place the halves on a baking sheet lined with parchment or lightly greased.
Step 3:
Cut one orange into slices, then into wedges, and distribute evenly between the fruits.
Step 4:
Cut the second orange in half and squeeze the juice directly onto the fruit in the pan.
Step 5:
Cut the butter into small pieces and place one into the well of each apple and pear half.
Step 6:
Pour honey evenly over everything, trying to cover each half.
Step 7:
Sprinkle the fruit with ground cinnamon (optional, use a sieve for a more subtle flavor).
Step 8:
If using nuts, chop them with a knife and sprinkle on top.
Step 9:
Preheat the oven to 180°C and place the baking tray in it.
Step 10:
Bake for about 20 minutes, until the fruit is soft and the surface is golden. Check for doneness with a fork or toothpick.
Step 11:
Remove from the oven, let cool slightly and serve warm.
Cooking tips:
Choose firm fruits: Firm varieties of apples (such as Granny Smith) and pears are best for baking, as they won't turn to mush after baking.
Honey is very sweet, so start with 2 tablespoons. You can add it after baking if the fruit isn't sweet enough.
If you like a richer flavor, increase the amount of cinnamon to 1.5 teaspoons.
How long to bake apples and pears in the oven depends on their size and variety. Start checking for doneness after 30 minutes. The fruit should be soft but not falling apart.
If you don't eat nuts or want to make the dessert simpler, feel free to skip this step. The dish will be just as delicious.
Serve with Ice Cream: Warm baked apples and pears with a scoop of vanilla ice cream is a classic and delicious combination.
To prevent the fruit from browning before baking, sprinkle it with lemon juice.
Use a baking dish with sides. This will help collect any juices that escape during baking and prevent staining your oven.
