Spicy Cinnamon Apple Brown Butter Skillet Shortcakes, Soured Cream and Flowering Rosemary by  Natasha MacAller
Natasha MacAller - European

Spicy Cinnamon Apple Brown Butter Skillet Shortcakes, Soured Cream and Flowering Rosemary by Natasha MacAller

Featured Spices

A simple after dinner dessert or tea time indulgence! Make the apples ahead of time and the blending of the spice heroes sweet spicy cinnamon and hot chilis with moreish apples and rosemary warms body and soul! Rosemary, the “remember me spice” adds a log campfire scent that is both memorable and comforting. Do enjoy!
  • 6 oz/170g all-purpose/plain flour
  • 4 oz/115g masa harina (Maseca) or finely ground polenta or cornmeal flour
  • 1 heaped tsp baking powder
  • 2 oz/60g granulated sugar
  • 1 Tbsp/20g grated piloncillo or muscavado sugar
  • ½ tsp kosher salt
  • ¼ rounded tsp fresh ground black pepper
  • ½ lemon or 1 lime zested
  • 1tsp blanched fresh rosemary needles, patted dry and minced or ½ tsp dried
  • 10 oz/200ml whole milk
  • 3 oz/90ml butter, melted and cooled (plus additional cold for the skillet)
  • 1 large egg beaten
  • 2 tbsp cinnamon sugar for sprinkling on top before baking


Shortcakes:
Preheat oven to 375°F. Place a medium-large cast iron skillet or ceramic or pyrex pie dish in the oven to heat up.
Whisk masa harina, baking powder, sugars, salt, pepper, lemon zest, rosemary and flour in a large bowl. Whisk together the milk, butter and beaten eggs in a medium bowl. Add wet to dry and gently fold over until just combined. The batter will thicken as it sits and can be stored covered overnight. Carefully remove skillet from oven, place on top and add a large pat of butter swirling the butter to cover the bottom evenly. Use a large ice cream scoop or dessertspoon and scoop batter spacing 2 inches apart into 6 portions in skillet. Sprinkle with the cinnamon sugar. Return quickly to oven and bake for 15-17 minutes until just set- (use your finger to test for doneness) and golden brown. Remove from oven and cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Spicy Cinnamon Caramel Apples
  • 4oz/115ml water
  • 14 oz/400g raw sugar
  • 4oz/115ml golden syrup
  •  ¼ tsp kosher salt
  • 2 cinnamon sticks, toasted
  • 1-2 dried whole chilis or 3 if you like really hot!
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 Tablespoons/1oz/30g soft butter
  • 2 pounds/1kg mixture of your favorite crisp eating apples such as granny smith, gala or peeled cored and cut into ½ inch thick slices.
While the shortcakes are baking (or make ahead of time), make the spicy cinnamon caramel apples. Flame toast the cinnamon sticks held with a pair of tongs over a flame until scorched. It will smell wonderful!
Using a medium sized clean saucepot; combine the sugar, golden syrup and water. Bring to the boil, then add salt, cinnamon sticks and chili peppers. Cook without stirring to 275F/190C. Remove from heat and add butter stirring until well combined. Be careful, as it will bubble up. Carefully add all the apples and coat with caramel using a wooden spoon or heat resistant spatula. Remove from the heat stirring occasionally. The caramel will thin as the apples release their juices. Can be made ahead of time but warm just before serving.
 
To Serve:
  • 120g Thick plain yogurt or soured cream
  • 4 springs flowering rosemary
Place skillet shortcake on a small plate. Place a generous spoonful of cinnamon apples on top.
Garnish with a dessert spoonful of soured cream as pictured. Drizzle over with a teaspoon of sauce. Garnish with small stem of flowering rosemary.
 
Natasha MacAller
©2018 DancingChef Ltd
Chef/Writer/Consultant

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