the humble apple....puts on some heels and struts her stuff

Winter might not have the variety of fruit that abounds in summer, but who says that the apple has to be boring? I picked up some certified organic red delicious at $1.50/kg from Pascale at Just Organics (opposite About Life on Oxford Street, Bondi Junction). At that price I reckon they are cheaper than conventional apples. Pas says he's going to be selling at these prices for the next couple of weeks.

With these little red beauties, I made a yummy simple dessert tonight - let's call it Sautéed Chocolate Apples. Apples and Chocolate might seem like an odd coupling, but trust me, opposites (often) attract.

Ingredients:

4 apples, cut in wedges and cored (leave skin on) 4 star anise 1 tablespoon raw cacao powder (this is unprocessed real chocolate. I like the Loving Earth brand as its long fermented) 2 teaspoon cinnamon powder 1 teaspoon vanilla bean powder 4 tablespoon coconut oil or butter (or a combination of the 2)

Directions:

Melt coconut oil or butter in frying pan on low heat. Add all other ingredients and sautée, covered, until apples are soft. Stir occasionally. Serve with cream, cream fraiche or home made ice-cream. Left overs? I'll be adding to kids thermos containers with cream fraiche for a cool version for their morning tea tomorrow.