Aplets and cotlets are a classic Northwest treat. This popular snack is a favorite among many Northwest residents and has been around for decades.
The recipe for aplets and cotlets is simple and easy to make, and with a few ingredients, you can make a delicious batch of these treats in no time. Whether you’re looking for a tasty snack, or a sweet treat to put out for guests, aplets and cotlets are sure to be a hit.
What is aplets and cotlets?
Aplets and cotlets are a classic Northwest treat, made of apples, walnuts, and apricot flavored gelatin. This delicious snack is a favorite among many Northwest residents and has been around for decades.
The recipe for aplets and cotlets is simple and easy to make, and with a few ingredients, you can make a delicious batch of these treats in no time.
The traditional recipe for aplets and cotlets includes apples, walnuts, and apricot flavored gelatin, but many variations on the recipe exist.
What does it taste like?
Aplets and cotlets have a unique flavor that is both sweet and tart. The apples provide a light sweetness, while the walnuts give it a nutty flavor.
The apricot flavored gelatin adds a tart and tangy element to the treat. The combination of flavors creates a delicious and unique taste that is sure to please anyone who tries it.
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Ingredients
- 1.5 tablespoons of premium unflavored gelatin: Gelatin is a key ingredient in setting and solidifying the fruit candies. It helps give them their characteristic chewy texture and holds the other ingredients together.
- 1.5 cups of freshly pressed apple juice or organic unsweetened apricot juice: The fruit juice provides the primary flavor and sweetness to the candies. It’s the base liquid that, when combined with other ingredients, creates the fruity essence of aplets and cotlets.
- 2/3 cup of fine granulated cane sugar: Sugar not only adds sweetness but also plays a crucial role in the texture and structure of the candies. It helps balance the natural tartness of the fruit juice and contributes to the candy’s firmness.
- 1 tablespoon of zesty lemon-lime juice: Citrus juices like lemon and lime bring a bright, tangy flavor to the candies. They enhance the overall taste profile and add a refreshing zing to complement the sweetness of the fruit.
- 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lime juice: Similar to lemon juice, lime juice contributes acidity and a distinct citrusy flavor that complements the sweetness of the candies.
- 1/3 cup of high-quality cornstarch: Cornstarch acts as a thickening agent in the recipe. It helps in binding the ingredients together, contributes to the texture, and assists in the firmness of the final product.
- 1 cup of hand-selected and finely chopped walnuts: Walnuts provide a nutty richness and a pleasant crunch to the otherwise soft and chewy candies. They add texture and depth to the overall flavor profile.
- 1/2 cup of sifted confectioners’ sugar: Confectioners’ sugar, used as a coating for the candies, adds a touch of sweetness and a smooth exterior finish. It helps prevent the candies from sticking together and provides a delightful powdered sugar coating.
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Gelatin Mixture
Begin by taking a small bowl and combining unflavored gelatin with 1/2 cup of either apple juice or apricot juice. This process allows the gelatin to bloom, enhancing its ability to set. Set this mixture aside while you move on to the next steps.
Step 2: Prepare the Pan
Prepare an 8×8-inch baking pan by either greasing it thoroughly or lining it with parchment paper. This step is crucial to prevent the mixture from sticking to the pan as it sets.
Step 3: Cook the Fruit Juice Mixture
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the remaining portion of the apple or apricot juice with granulated cane sugar, lemon-lime juice, and lime juice. Stir this mixture continuously until the sugar has completely dissolved.
Step 4: Thicken the Mixture
Take a separate small bowl and whisk cornstarch with a little water to create a slurry. Slowly incorporate this slurry into the fruit juice mixture while stirring continuously. Allow the mixture to cook until it thickens and reaches a syrupy consistency.
Step 5: Incorporate Gelatin and Nuts
Once the mixture has thickened to a syrupy consistency, remove it from the heat. Add the bloomed gelatin mixture to the pan and stir thoroughly until the gelatin dissolves completely into the fruit mixture. Gently fold in finely chopped walnuts, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Step 6: Set the Mixture
Pour the prepared mixture into the greased or lined pan, spreading it out evenly. Allow it to cool at room temperature for approximately 2 hours until it sets. If desired, expedite the setting process by placing the pan in the refrigerator for about 1 hour.
Step 7: Cut and Coat
Once the mixture has set, carefully remove it from the pan and transfer it onto a cutting board. Use a knife to cut the set mixture into small squares or rectangles, traditionally about 1-inch in size. Coat each piece by lightly dusting or rolling it in sifted confectioners’ sugar, ensuring all sides are covered.
Step 8: Serve or Store
Your aplets and cotlets are now ready to be served! Arrange them on a plate for a visually appealing and delicious treat. To store any leftovers, place them in an airtight container, separating layers with wax paper to prevent sticking.
Tips
– Use a variety of apples: For a more flavorful aplets and cotlets, use a variety of apples such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Red Delicious.
– Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar: For an extra touch of sweetness, sprinkle the top of the aplets and cotlets with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar before they cool.
– Add a crunchy topping: For an extra crunchy texture, top the aplets and cotlets with chopped walnuts or pecans.
– Substitute other fruits: For a different flavor, try substituting other fruits such as peaches, pears, or strawberries.
– Use a different flavored gelatin: For a different flavor, try using other flavored gelatin such as raspberry or strawberry.
Nutrition Information
Aplets and cotlets are a delicious and healthy snack. Each serving contains approximately 150 calories, 3.5 grams of fat, 9 grams of carbohydrates, 1.5 grams of fiber, and 4 grams of protein.
What to serve with aplets and cotlets recipe?
– Ice cream
– Whipped cream
– Custard
– Fruit salad
– Cheesecake
What other substitute can I use in aplets and cotlets recipe?
– Applesauce
– Canned pineapple
– Canned peaches
– Strawberry flavored gelatin
– Cherry flavored gelatin
Equipment
- Bowl
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon of zesty lemon-lime juice
- 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1.5 tablespoons of premium unflavored gelatin
- 1 cup of hand-selected and finely chopped walnuts
- 1/2 cup of sifted confectioners’ sugar
- 1.5 cups of freshly pressed apple juice or organic unsweetened apricot juice
- 2/3 cup of fine granulated cane sugar
- 1/3 cup of high-quality cornstarch
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the unflavored gelatin with 1/2 cup of the apple juice or apricot juice. Set it aside to let the gelatin bloom while you work on the rest of the recipe.
- Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper. This will prevent sticking when the mixture sets.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the remaining apple juice or apricot juice with granulated cane sugar, lemon-lime juice, and lime juice.
- Stir constantly until the sugar dissolves completely.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk the cornstarch with a little water to make a slurry. Slowly add this slurry to the fruit juice mixture while stirring continuously.
- Cook the mixture until it thickens, resembling a syrupy consistency.
- Once the mixture has thickened, remove it from the heat.
- Add the bloomed gelatin mixture to the pan and stir until it completely dissolves into the fruit mixture.
- Fold in the finely chopped walnuts gently, ensuring they’re evenly distributed.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared pan, spreading it out evenly.
- Let it cool at room temperature for about 2 hours until it sets. You can speed up the process by placing it in the refrigerator for around 1 hour.
- Once set, remove the mixture from the pan onto a cutting board.
- Cut the set mixture into small squares or rectangles, traditionally about 1-inch in size.
- Coat each piece in sifted confectioners’ sugar, ensuring all sides are lightly coated.
- Your aplets and cotlets are ready to serve! Arrange them on a plate for a delightful treat.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container, separating layers with wax paper to prevent sticking.
Notes
- For a more flavorful aplets and cotlets, use a variety of apples such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Red Delicious.
- For an extra touch of sweetness, sprinkle the top of the aplets and cotlets with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar before they cool.
- For an extra crunchy texture, top the aplets and cotlets with chopped walnuts or pecans.
- For a different flavor, try substituting other fruits such as peaches, pears, or strawberries.
- For a different flavor, try using other flavored gelatin such as raspberry or strawberry.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What kind of apples should I use for aplets and cotlets?
A: For the best flavor, try using a variety of apples such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Red Delicious.
Q: Can I freeze aplets and cotlets?
A: Yes, aplets and cotlets can be frozen for up to 3 months. To freeze, wrap the aplets and cotlets in plastic wrap and place in an airtight container.
Q: Can I use other fruits in aplets and cotlets?
A: Yes, you can use other fruits such as peaches, pears, or strawberries in aplets and cotlets.
Q: How long will aplets and cotlets keep?
A: Aplets and cotlets will keep for up to 4 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Q: Can I make aplets and cotlets without gelatin?
A: Yes, you can make aplets and cotlets without gelatin. Just omit the gelatin and increase the amount of apples used.
Q: What can I use instead of walnuts in aplets and cotlets?
A: You can use any type of chopped nuts such as pecans, almonds, or pistachios. You can also use seeds such as pumpkin or sunflower seeds.
Q: Can I use other flavored gelatin in aplets and cotlets?
A: Yes, you can use other flavored gelatin such as raspberry or strawberry.
Conclusion
Aplets and cotlets are a classic Northwest treat that have been around for decades. The recipe for aplets and cotlets is simple and easy to make, and with a few ingredients, you can make a delicious batch of these treats in no time.
The combination of apples, walnuts, and apricot flavored gelatin creates a unique and delicious flavor that is sure to please anyone who tries it. Whether you’re looking for a tasty snack, or a sweet treat to put out for guests, aplets and cotlets are sure to be a hit.
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Rebecca Novak is a trained chef with over 10 years of experience in the food industry. She has worked in both fine dining and casual Hungarian restaurants and specializes in creating dishes using fresh, seasonal ingredients. She also loves exploring different cuisines worldwide, which allows her to bring unique flavors and ideas to the recipes she creates for Hungarianchef.com. Read more