Apple Fries With Apple Pie Spice Whipped Cream Food

APPLE FRIES

Steps:

• Heat 1 1/2 inches of vegetable oil in a large wide pot over medium heat until a deep-fry thermometer registers 300 degrees F. Cut the apples into 1/2-inch-wide sticks to look like fries.
• Working in two batches, toss the apples in the cornstarch until well coated, shaking off the excess. Fry in the hot oil until softened but still pale, about 2 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and transfer to a rack set over a rimmed baking sheet in a single layer; let cool. Let the oil return to 300 degrees F between batches.
• Mix 1/2 cup sugar and the cinnamon in a shallow bowl; set aside. Beat the heavy cream, vanilla and remaining 2 tablespoons sugar in a medium bowl with a mixer until medium peaks form.
• Increase the oil temperature to 375 degrees F. Working in about three batches, re-fry the apples until crisp and lightly browned, about 1 1/2 minutes. Remove to paper towels to drain briefly, then toss in the cinnamon sugar until well coated. Serve warm with the whipped cream for dipping.

WHIPPED CREAM

Steps:

• In a chilled bowl, whip the cream until slightly thickened, about 2 minutes. Add the sugar and maraschino or vanilla. Whip to fluffy peaks, about 2 minutes.

ROASTED APPLE PIES WITH WHIPPED CREAM

Steps:

• Special equipment: a 3-inch round cookie cutter
• Place an oven rack in the center of the oven. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with a silpat or parchment paper sprayed with vegetable cooking spray.
• Unroll the pie crust out on a work surface. Using a 3-inch round cookie cutter, cut out 8 disks of pastry. Arrange the pastry disks on the prepared baking sheet. Using the tines of a fork, prick the pastry all over. Bake until brown and crispy, 8 to 10 minutes. Remove to a wire rack to cool completely, about 10 minutes.
• Slice the bottom of the apples to create an even surface for cutting. Slice each apple into 6 (1/2-inch) slices. Cut each apple slice in half and remove any seeds or pieces of core. In a medium bowl, mix together the sugar and 1 tablespoon cinnamon. Add the apple slices and toss until coated. Shake off any excess mixture. Arrange the apple slices on the same baking sheet in a single layer. Bake until dark brown, about 12 to 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool for 15 minutes.
• In a medium bowl, using an electric hand mixer, beat the cream until thick, about 1 minute. Add the powdered sugar and continue to beat until the cream is very thick.
• To assemble the pies: Place the pastry disks on a work surface. Divide the cooked apple slices among 4 of the disks. Dollop about 2 tablespoons of the cream on top of the apples and cover with the remaining disks.
• Transfer the apple pies to dessert plates, dust with cinnamon and serve immediately.

SKILLET APPLE PIE WITH CINNAMON WHIPPED CREAM

Steps:

• For the skillet apple pie: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
• Melt the butter in a 9-inch cast-iron skillet; set aside 1 tablespoon of the melted butter for the top crust. To the melted butter, add the brown sugar and melt them together on medium heat, about 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and line the skillet with one of the pie crusts. Pour the apple pie filling over the crust and sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of the cinnamon sugar. Use the second pie crust to cover the filling. Brush the top with the reserved melted butter, then evenly sprinkle the remaining 1 tablespoon cinnamon sugar on top. Cut vents in the middle of the pie. Bake for 30 minutes. Serve hot, topped with a generous dollop of cinnamon whipped cream.
• For the cinnamon whipped cream: Chill a large metal mixing bowl and a wire beater attachment in the freezer for about 20 minutes. Pour the cream, cinnamon and sugar into the cold mixing bowl and beat until soft peaks form, 2 to 3 minutes; the mixture should hold its shape when dropped from a spoon. Don't overbeat or you'll have sweetened butter!