It's Apple Compote This Time!

Instead of apple puree for your pancakes you could make an apple compote instead. No additional sugar is used, which makes it quite healthy.

You will need 3 to 4 tasty apples for 6 to 8 small pancakes. Peel the apples, cut into quarters and remove the core. then cut into smaller pieces, about 2 cm square. Place in a suitable pan, then add

a handful of raisins or sultanas and a little cassia bark, or if you prefer use 1/2 stick of cinnamon.

Also add 1 tbsp of water and 1 tbsp of lemon juice plus a dollop of butter. Cover pan and bring to    boil. Remove cover and allow liquid to evaporate, by which time the apples should be soft. Now just   let the added butter do some caramelizing to give the apples a golden colour. Stir the fruit gently so  it wouldn't break up, making sure that all pieces are well caramelized.                                                      

Remove from heat and turn into bowl to cool. After cooling you might want to keep it in the fridge to chill until ready to use.                                                                                                                              

Finally arrange the pancakes, add the apple compote, serve and enjoy! You will find that additional sugar is really quite unnecessary in this recipe as well as in the previous ones!                                  

Bon appetit!                                                                                                                                          

Some Call It Applesauce!

After the pancakes I think you ought to have my own recipe for apple puree, which some people call applesauce. I have removed the sugar entirely so that anyone with sugar restrictions might enjoy this. But if you are not sure consult with your doctor or dietitian.

For a yummy puree choose eating apples, not cooking apples. For 1 to 2 portions take 3 medium sized apples , wash and cut into chunks. No need to peel or to remove core.

Put in a suitably sized pan adding 3 Tbsp water, 1 Tbsp lemon juice and a little star anise. Cover the pot and bring to boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes until soft.

Place a nylon/plastic sieve over a bowl and pour in the cooked apples and allow to drain for a couple of minutes. Remove the star anise.

Transfer the sieve to another bowl and using a wooden spoon press and mash the apples through the sieve. Skins, seeds and core will be left behind in the sieve and can be discarded.

Check your apple puree if the consistency is to your liking. If you feel it is too thick add a little of the drained juice and stir in.

Some people do not like star anise, in which case you can opt  for 1/2 stick of cinnamon or a piece of cassia bark.

Depending on your generosity this amount can serve for 4 - 8 medium pancakes. Leftover apple puree can easily be frozen for use next time.