Imagine a classic fairground treat transformed into an avant-garde dessert that delights both the eyes and the palate. This modern take on the toffee apple captures the essence of nostalgia while introducing cutting-edge techniques and flavors. The result? A stunning dish that features crisp apple slices, a luxurious spiced caramel foam, and a sprinkle of crispy toffee shards. Let’s embark on this sweet adventure!
Ingredients:
- 2 medium-sized tart apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 cup corn syrup
- 1/4 cup crushed toffee candy (like Heath bars)
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
- A few drops of liquid nitrogen (optional, for dramatic effect)
Instructions:
Start by preparing the apples. Wash and dry them thoroughly. Cut the apples into wedges, removing the core. For a fun presentation, you can also use a spiralizer to create apple spirals. Set aside.
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the granulated sugar and water. Stir until the sugar dissolves and then stop stirring. Bring the mixture to a boil and cook until it turns a deep amber color, about 8-10 minutes. Watch closely to avoid burning.
Once the toffee reaches the desired color, carefully add the heavy cream, corn syrup, sea salt, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg. The mixture will bubble vigorously, so be cautious. Stir until smooth and remove from heat. Let it cool slightly.
Using an immersion blender, blend the caramel sauce until it becomes a light foam. This will add air and a luxurious texture to the caramel. If you have a cream whipper, pour the mixture into it, charge it with a nitrous oxide cartridge, and shake well for a frothy result.
To create the crispy toffee shards, spread crushed toffee candy evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes or until melted and bubbly. Remove and let it cool completely before breaking it into shards.
Now, for the pièce de résistance: the liquid nitrogen effect. If using, pour a small amount of liquid nitrogen into a shallow dish. (Always wear gloves and goggles when handling liquid nitrogen.) Dip the apple wedges briefly into the nitrogen, allowing them to freeze slightly, then remove and let them sit for a minute to warm up slightly.
To assemble, arrange the apple wedges on a plate. Drizzle the spiced caramel foam generously over the apples, and finish with a sprinkle of crispy toffee shards.
For an extra touch, you can garnish with edible flowers or microgreens to elevate the presentation.
Enjoy your modern toffee apple deconstruction, where every bite is a symphony of textures and flavors that takes you back to childhood while keeping your taste buds tantalized!