Apple Confit Pate Food

APPLE AND ONION CONFIT CROSTINI

Steps:

• For the confit: In a high-sided skillet, heat the butter and oil over medium heat. Add the onions, apple slices, salt, and pepper. Cook until the onions begin to soften, about 5 minutes. Add the vinegar, maple syrup, and thyme. Reduce the heat to low and cook, stirring occasionally, until onions and apples are very soft, about 50 minutes.
• Place an oven rack in the center of the oven. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Arrange the bread slices on a baking sheet in a single layer. Drizzle with oil and bake until lightly golden, 12 to 14 minutes. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and place the gorgonzola squares on top of the warm toasts. Spoon the confit on top of the cheese. Sprinkle with chopped thyme and serve.
• Cook's Note: Freeze the gorgonzola for 20 minutes for easier slicing.

APPLE CONFIT (PATE)

Steps:

• Put 1 cup sugar in a small pot, melt, stirring constantly over low heat and cook until golden brown. (only takes a few minutes) Pour sugar into a 9x5 loaf pan or 3 inch deep, 9 inch round cake pan being sure to coat bottom well.
• Zest orange into long thin strips. Place in saucepan, cover with water and bring to a boil. Drain, refresh under cold water then drain again.
• Peel apples, halve and core. Cut into 1/8-inch thick slices. Keep neatly stacked. Using flat pieces only (discard round ends) place a layer neatly into bottom of loaf pan. Cover with another layer keeping as neat as possible. Press down to even them out. Sprinkle with a bit of sugar, then some zest. Repeat adding sugar and zest every 2-3 layer.
• Continue to build layer 3-4 inches above edge of pan keeping lines straight.
• Cover with plastic wrap then wrap entirely in aluminum foil. Place in a shallow tray to catch drippings. Let sit for 24 hours.
• Drain juice and unwrap pan. Re-wrap in double layer aluminum foil. Place in a large deep roasting pan, fill pan ½ up the sides of pan with water. Bake at 300ºF for 5-6 ½ hours. It is done when it fills about ¾ of the mold, apples are dark brown and a knife passes easily through.
• Unwrap, cool and let chill for several hours. Slice thinly and serve.

CONFIT OF APPLES

Steps:

• In a saute pan on medium, melt the butter then stir in the sugar. Simmer, stirring occasionally until it begins to turn golden brown and caramelized. Add brandy and lemon juice to the pan and simmer to incorporate. Peel, half and core apples. Place apples in caramel and cook slowly to caramelize and tenderize. Serve warm.

APPLE CONFIT (CROCK POT)

Steps:

• Peel the apples and slice 1/4 inch thick. (You should have about 9 cups.)
• Place the apples in a 4-quart or larger slow cooker.
• Add sugar and cinnamon to taste, and toss to coat well.
• Cover and cook until the apples are very tender and almost translucent, but not pureed, 2 to 2 1/2 hours on high or 4 to 4 1/2 hours on low.
• Stir in vanilla.
• Transfer to a bowl and let cool slightly.
• Cover and refrigerate until chilled.
• Serve with low-fat vanilla ice cream or frozen yogurt if desired.