Sweet Vanilla Risotto With Calvados And Caramelised Apples Recipes

ROASTED APPLES WITH CALVADOS AND CINNAMON ICE CREAM

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 425°F.
• Slice the vanilla bean lengthwise down the center, and use a paring knife to scrape the seeds and pulp into the butter. To make sure not to lose any of the seeds, run your vanilla-coated knife through the butter. Add the vanilla pod to the pan, and cook the butter and vanilla over medium heat 6 to 8 minutes, shaking the pan occasionally, until the butter browns and smells nutty. Remove from the heat, and discard the vanilla pod.
• Cut the apples in half through the core, and carefully remove the core and seeds with a paring knife (or, for a more dramatic presentation, leave the core and stems intact). Toss the apples in a large bowl with the sugars, brown butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, Calvados, and salt. Arrange the apples, cut side up, in a roasting pan. Top each half with the remaining sugar mixture from the mixing bowl.
• Bake the apples about 40 minutes, basting them with the pan juices every 10 minutes, until the flesh has pulled away from the skin and the apples are tender and carmelized.
• Arrange the warm apples on a large platter, and pour all the remaining juices over them. Serve with cinnamon ice cream and glasses of Calvados.
• Cinnamon Ice Cream
• Place the milk, cream, cinnamon sticks, and ground cinnamon in a medium pot. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Turn off the heat, cover, and let the flavors infuse about 30 minutes.
• Bring the mixture back to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Turn off the heat.
• Whisk the egg yolks and sugar together in a bowl. Whisk a few tablespoons of the warm cream mixture into the yolks to temper them. Slowly, add another 1/4 cup or so of the warm cream, whisking to incorporate. At this point, you can add the rest of the cream mixture in a slow steady stream, whisking constantly. Pour the mixture back into the pot and return to the stove.
• Cook the custard over medium heat 6 to 8 minutes, stirring with a rubber spatula, scraping the bottom and sides of the pan. The custard will thicken, and when it's done will coat the back of the spatula. Strain it and chill at least 2 hours in the refrigerator. The base should be very cold before you churn it. Process in an ice cream maker according to the manufacturer's instructions.
• Note
• I like to leave some of the cores and stems intact-the apples are a little harder to eat, but so beautiful that way.

SALTED CARAMEL RISOTTO

Steps:

• Toast the rice: Heat 2 cups (480 ml) water. Melt the butter in a heavy 3-quart (2.8-L) pan over medium-high heat. When the butter foams up, add the rice and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring until it is translucent and golden.
• Cook the rice: Pour in the milk and the hot water. Bring to a boil, then lower to a steady simmer and cook, stirring frequently, for 15 minutes, or until the rice grains have softened and are al dente (completely cooked through but still with some chewiness).
• Make the caramel: While the rice is cooking, mix the sugar and 1/4 cup (60 ml) water in a 4-quart (3.8-L) or larger heavy pot with tall sides. Cook over high heat, stirring, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture comes to a boil. Stop stirring and watch the syrup; when light golden streaks appear, carefully swirl the pot to help the sugar caramelize evenly. Continue boiling until the mixture turns a dark amber color. The sugar will begin to smoke; this is normal.
• When the caramel has been smoking for about 15 seconds, pull the pan off the heat and carefully add the cream in a slow stream, whisking constantly. Be careful, as hot steam will bubble up furiously. Whisk this mixture until smoothly combined. (If the caramel seizes and becomes a solid mass when the cream is added, return the pan to low heat and continue whisking until it is melted and smooth. You can minimize the chance of seizing by heating the cream prior to pouring it in.)
• Sweeten the rice: Add the rice to the caramel, stirring well. Simmer over medium-low heat, for 15 to 20 minutes, until much of the liquid has evaporated. Stir frequently to keep the rice from scorching.
• The liquid will reduce and get darker, and the rice will soften a little more. The pudding will look soupy and thin, but it will thicken considerably as it cools. Stir in the vanilla and salt. Transfer to a container and refrigerate until the pudding is at your desired consistency and temperature-about 30 minutes for a warm pudding, and 2 hours for a cold pudding. (If the cold pudding is too firm, thin with a little whole milk.) Serve warm with unsweetened whipped cream.

APPLE CARAMEL CALVADOS CREPES

Steps:

• In a blender or food processor, combine flour, milk and egg. Process just until blended. Pour into a pitcher and stir in 2 tablespoons melted butter and the Calvados.
• Place a crepe pan or small nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Brush with butter. Allow pan to heat for about a minute; if it is not hot enough batter will not spread thinly. Ladle a scant 1/4-cup batter into pan and quickly swirl so batter forms a thin pancake. Return pan to heat and watch for tiny bubbles to form on surface and edges of pancake. Flip pancake; it should be light golden brown. Allow to cook about 30 seconds longer, then transfer to a plate lined with parchment paper. Continue making pancakes, layering each one with parchment. Crepes may be covered and stored at room temperature for up to a day.
• Peel, core and cut each apple in two. Cut the two pieces into four wedges, and cut each wedge crosswise. Place in a saucepan and add lemon juice, butter and sugar. Place over medium heat and cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes. Cover and continue to cook and stir for another 10 minutes. Allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving.
• In a small saucepan combine the butter, brown sugar and corn syrup. Bring to a boil and simmer for 2 minutes, then add cream and Calvados. Continue to simmer until thickened slightly, 2 to 3 minutes.
• To assemble, place a room-temperature crepe on a plate. Spoon warm apple filling into center, and fold edges over it. Drizzle warm sauce on top. Repeat with remaining crepes, and serve.