Sesame Toffee Apples

With Guy Fawkes night just around the corner, why not try sesame toffee apples, a variation on an old theme. This is not a recipe for the classic toffee apple on a stick. It's better as the apples are quartered and peeled and children are much more likely to eat the whole thing. Adults like them too. Serves 2 - 4.

INGREDIENTS

2 firm apples, peeled, cored and sliced into 8 wedges
100ml water
200g caster sugar
1 tablespoon sesame seeds

Bowl of cold iced water
           
You will need the following equipment: weighing scales, measuring jug, wok, peeler, sharp knife, tablespoon, splatted spoon

METHOD

1. Prevent the apples from going brown by keeping them in a bowl of cold water and lemon juice if you are preparing them in advance.

2. Place the water and sugar in a non-stick saucepan or wok and stir together. Bring to a simmer on a moderate to high heat - DO NOT STIR - until the sugar has dissolved and it has turned a light golden colour.

3. Remove from the heat, (have the bowl of iced water ready close by), stir in the sesame seeds and toss in the apples to coat.  Work quickly and remove the apple wedges one at a time with a spatula and drop them into the iced water quickly and remove to a serving plate. Repeat working very quickly.

4. Serve at once.

November 2011