Chocolate-Covered Lady Apples
OK, here is my contribution to the world of edible gifts this holiday season: chocolate-dipped lady apples. They are cuter–I think–, less perishable and travel much better than chocolate-covered strawberries. Lady apples or pommes d’api have an easier crunch and crisper taste than bigger apples. Lightly acidic, they are a great match with semi-sweet chocolate. I thought I’d gift something healthier and more surprising than candy or cookies this year.
Lady apples are in season right now and through March. I bought mine from Whole Foods.
Chocolate-Covered Lady Apples
Makes 12
12 lady apples, washed and completely dried
8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup chopped pistachios or shredded coconut
Line the counter top with parchment paper.
Place the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl and melt them on low power for 1 minute. Stir the chocolate and place it back in the microwave for 30 seconds at a time until melted. If the chocolate is too thick, thin it with a few drops of vegetable oil.
Hold the apples by the stem and dip them 3/4 of the way in chocolate. Lift and twirl them lightly to get rid of excess chocolate. Sprinkle the chocolate covered part with pistachios or coconut and set on parchment paper. Allow the chocolate to dry for 30 minutes before consuming or wrapping.
Note: When buying apples, be sure to pick ones with the stem. They look prettier and are easier to dip. Also, if you wish you can flavor the melted chocolate with your favorite liqueur before dipping.
Other holiday favorites:
Gluten-Free Madeleines
Clove Ice Cream
Almond Blackberry Torte
Tiramisu Dates
Zaalouk
Gorgonzola and Pecan Stuffed Dates
Spiced and Herbed Goat Cheese
Strawberry and White Chocolate Muffins
Ispahan Yule Log
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Bryan — 12/19/2010 @ 2:40 pm
Those are so cute! what a cool gift idea, Thanks
Lael Hazan @eduatedpalate.net — 12/19/2010 @ 3:06 pm
Love the photos and the gift idea. In our family we would definitely go for the pistachio covering!
Karen from Globetrotter Diaries — 12/19/2010 @ 7:09 pm
THese are adorable! Just came across your blog and LOVE it…will be following you!
nancy@skinnykitchen.com — 12/19/2010 @ 7:41 pm
Looks yummy and healthy too. Especially if you dip in dark chocolate!
Bridgett — 12/19/2010 @ 10:03 pm
What a beautiful and delicious idea.
oak dining table — 12/20/2010 @ 3:35 am
This is delicious! I have been doing this for months now! The dipping is the fun part.
Amanda — 12/20/2010 @ 6:01 am
That looks like such an easy gift idea! I just found your blog and your recipes look very tasty!
Cherine — 12/20/2010 @ 7:45 am
A great idea! Looks wonderful!
Joanne — 12/20/2010 @ 12:35 pm
These are WAY better than caramel apples, I have to say! I love how creative you can get with the chocolate decorations…you can put sprinkles, nuts, coconut…the options are endless. Great gift idea!
lisa is cooking — 12/20/2010 @ 3:14 pm
What a cute gift idea! Lady apples are perfect for dipping, and the pistachios and coconut coatings look great.
Emily Z — 12/20/2010 @ 8:48 pm
What a nice idea. Your apples look wonderful, and a nice way to throw in a healthy treat during the holiday season!
citronetvanille — 12/22/2010 @ 5:24 am
Hmm yum, those apples remind of the "fête Forraine" in France. OH I have a weakness for coconut, so I would not have any problem finishing a few of those!
LimeCake — 12/22/2010 @ 11:44 am
Wow i've never seen apples this way before. They look lovely! Happy holidays!
Reeni — 12/22/2010 @ 2:29 pm
These are a great idea for edible gifts! And a much healthier option too. Love it!
Cate O'Malley — 12/22/2010 @ 4:56 pm
I think I like this version way better than caramel-covered apples – great give idea!
Trix — 12/22/2010 @ 7:03 pm
That is a good gift idea! I also love that name, "lady apples." So cute.
A Canadian Foodie — 12/23/2010 @ 12:54 am
I have never heard of or seen "Lady Apples". I wish you had something beside them so I could imagine the size. In any case, they are gorgeous and a GREAT idea. I laughed out loud when I read, "OK, here is my contribution to the world of edible gifts this holiday season…" It sounded so forced and unlike you – but was cute and very funny!
:)
valerie
Carolyn Jung — 12/28/2010 @ 12:54 am
Love these! So dainty yet decadent. Pardon me, while I reach for at least three to nibble on. ;)