Crunchy Apple and Berry Delight

This apple cranberry crisp merges tart, fresh berries with sweet apples beneath a golden, buttery oat topping. It’s the ultimate effortless dessert for a gathering!

As an avid admirer of apple crisp, I’ve discovered a dessert that may just take the lead: apple cranberry crisp! The tartness of fresh berries blends seamlessly with sweet, cozy crisp apples in a cinnamon-spiced fruit base.

The berries introduce a vibrant flavor and a bright red hue to the fruit layer, which is crowned with golden buttery crisp crumbles. This apple cranberry crisp has solidified its place in my fall and winter baking repertoire. It feels festive enough for a Thanksgiving or Christmas spread, yet is simple enough for a cozy night at home.

Why This Recipe Works

Incorporating cranberries into your apple crisp or apple crumble elevates the flavor, akin to a strawberry rhubarb pie. Here’s why this variation has carved out a permanent space in my recipe collection:

– Zesty sweet-tart profile: While apples are sweet, baking them with cranberries results in a sweet-tart intricacy.
– Ideal crumble texture: The fruit filling reduces to a jammy compote that juxtaposes with the crunch of the rolled oats and butter topping.
– Adaptability: It performs wonderfully with either fresh or frozen cranberries, making it a versatile choice throughout the year.

Ingredient Spotlight: What You Need

This apple cranberry crisp is a twist on the traditional apple dessert with a handful of fresh cranberries mixed in. Here’s what you’ll need:

– Apples: Opt for firm, crisp, sweet-tart cooking apples. Pink Lady and Honeycrisp are my top picks for baking as they retain their shape, but Granny Smith or Golden Delicious are also great alternatives.
– Cranberries: This works with fresh or frozen berries. It’s a fantastic way to use up leftover fresh cranberries from cranberry sauce or buy a bag to use the remainder in bread, muffins, or smoothies.
– Orange Zest: Don’t skip this! Orange introduces a floral aroma that enhances the flavor of the filling beautifully.
– Cornstarch: This thickens the juices released by the fruit, keeping the bottom layer from becoming soupy.
– Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: These add the traditional chew and rustic appearance. I steer clear of quick oats here as they may become overly mushy.
– Butter: Chilled butter is crucial for achieving those distinct, crumbly topping bits.
– Sugars: I blend granulated sugar for the fruit with brown sugar for the topping. (Maple syrup or honey aren’t suitable sweeteners as they result in soggy crumbs.)

How to Make Apple Cranberry Crisp

This recipe comes together swiftly, which is why it ranks among my top Thanksgiving desserts. Here are my suggestions for nailing it every time:

1. Prep the Fruit
I prefer cutting my apples into ½-inch chunks instead of slices. I find that chunks make the crisp simpler to scoop and enjoy. Toss the apples and cranberries with the sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, and orange zest directly in the baking dish to limit the washing of an extra bowl.

2. Incorporate the Butter
In a medium bowl, whisk your dry ingredients (flour, oats, sugar, spices). Then, cut the chilled butter into small pieces. I utilize a fork or a pastry cutter to mix the butter into the flour blend until it resembles coarse crumbs (by the end, I often combine it with my fingers).

3. Bake Until Bubbling
Distribute the topping evenly over the fruit. Bake at 350°F for about 45 to 50 minutes. The visual indicator is the fruit filling bubbling around the edges and the topping achieving a deep golden brown.

Serving Suggestions

Apple cranberry crisp is the quintessential fall or winter dessert, perfect for serving as a Thanksgiving dessert, during Christmas, or for any meal. Like many crisps, the ideal topping is vanilla ice cream. The contrast of rich cream with the sweet-tart cranberries is divine! Alternatively, consider one of these toppings:

– A La Mode: A scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream is the benchmark. The melting cream blending with the warm spiced fruit is unbeatable.
– Whipped Cream: A dollop of Homemade Whipped Cream or my favorite Yogurt Whipped Cream provides a lighter, tangy finish.
– Breakfast: I won’t tell if you enjoy the leftovers for breakfast! It surprisingly pairs well with a scoop of Greek yogurt and a hot cup of coffee.

Leftover Storage

Cranberry apple crisp tastes best on the day it’s made, but it stores quite well! The crisp texture endures over time. Here are the best practices for storing a crisp:

– Keep it loosely covered at room temperature for 1 to 2 days. Loosely covering helps maintain the crumbly texture.
– Refrigerate for up to 3 days. It holds up nicely in the fridge, and tastes even better.

Revitalizing Cranberry Aperol Spritz Beverage Recipe

Prosecco, an effervescent wine hailing from Italy, is a favored option for crafting invigorating cocktails. Grasping the various bottle sizes and their applications can elevate your cocktail preparation experience. A typical 750 ml Prosecco bottle holds 25 ounces, which is ample for creating 8 beverages. This makes it perfect for larger parties or when hosting multiple visitors.

For more intimate occasions or when preparing fewer drinks, smaller bottles are more practical. A mini bottle of Prosecco carries 187 ml, equivalent to roughly 6 ounces, making it ideal for concocting 2 beverages. This size is suited for cozy environments or when you wish to relish a quick drink without opening a full bottle.

If you aim to prepare 4 drinks, a half bottle of Prosecco, containing 375 ml or 12 ounces, is the ideal selection. This size provides a middle ground between mini and standard bottles, supplying enough Prosecco for a small gathering without the risk of wasting a larger bottle.

For crafting 8 drinks, a delightful cocktail can be created by blending 1 ½ cups of Aperol with 1 ½ cups of cranberry juice. To create each drink, pour 3 ounces (or 6 tablespoons) of this blend into a glass and top with 3 ounces of Prosecco from a 750 ml bottle. This mix produces a lively and refreshing drink that is bound to satisfy a crowd.

Non-Alcoholic Sparkling Cranberry Drink

Alex & Sonja: The Culinary Pair Behind A Couple Cooks

Introducing Alex and Sonja Overhiser, the energetic pair behind the renowned cooking website, A Couple Cooks. As authors of two celebrated cookbooks and busy parents, Alex and Sonja have perfected the art of juggling family life with their enthusiasm for cooking. Their adventure commenced in 2010 when they established A Couple Cooks to convey their passion for simple, seasonal recipes and the joy that cooking adds to daily life.

Throughout the years, Alex and Sonja have amassed an extensive array of original recipes, presenting thousands of choices for home cooks eager to discover new flavors and techniques. Each recipe is thoughtfully crafted, written, and photographed by the couple, guaranteeing that every dish is both aesthetically pleasing and delectable. Their recipes are thoroughly tested, not only by Alex and Sonja themselves but also by their children, ensuring they are family-friendly and accessible for cooks at all levels.

Apart from recipes, A Couple Cooks offers an abundance of cooking tips and meal planning suggestions, assisting readers in optimizing their kitchen practices and making the most out of seasonal ingredients. Alex and Sonja’s cooking philosophy highlights simplicity and sustainability, motivating home cooks to embrace fresh, nutritious components and minimize food waste.

As a real-life couple who enjoys cooking together, Alex and Sonja contribute a distinct perspective to the culinary realm. Their partnership shines through in every facet of their work, from the collaborative development of recipes to the shared delight of photographing and writing about their culinary endeavors. This authentic connection resonates with their audience, transforming A Couple Cooks into a cherished resource for food lovers worldwide.

Whether you’re an experienced chef or a beginner cook, Alex and Sonja’s approachable style and enthusiasm for food will encourage you to venture into new culinary territories. Through A Couple Cooks, they continue to spread the joy of cooking, one recipe at a time, nurturing a community of food enthusiasts who value the art of preparing and savoring good food together.

Mashed Potatoes infused with Horseradish Taste

These mashed potatoes with horseradish are rich and spicy! They make the perfect zesty accompaniment for steak, prime rib, or festive meals.

A few years back during Friendsgiving, a friend brought mashed potatoes and had everyone try to figure out the secret ingredient. Each mouthful was delectably savory, smooth, indulgent, and zesty, yet none of us could identify the secret. It turned out to be horseradish!

I swiftly put together this horseradish mashed potatoes recipe that impresses everyone (really!). The prepared horseradish contributes a tangy and zesty punch to each mouthful of creamy potatoes, making them utterly tempting. This side dish is ideal for chicken, fish, or during the holidays.

Ingredients for the Ideal Mash

Here are some key ingredients you’ll need for this horseradish potato recipe:

– Potatoes: I prefer a combination of Yukon Gold and Russet potatoes. Yukon Golds have a creamy richness, while Russets are airy.
– Prepared Horseradish: This is the highlight! Be sure to purchase “prepared horseradish” in a jar, not “horseradish sauce” (which is creamy) or the raw root.
– Salted Butter: I use salted butter for potatoes to ensure they are thoroughly seasoned from the inside out.
– Sour Cream: This is a luxury ingredient for me, but I believe it’s essential for the perfect potatoes. You could replace it with Greek yogurt if you wish!
– Milk: This aids in achieving the ideal texture.
– Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides savory richness.

Ingredient Spotlight: Prepared Horseradish

Be cautious while shopping: you need prepared horseradish, which is a condiment made from grated horseradish, vinegar, and salt. It is typically located in the refrigerated dairy or condiment aisle. Steer clear of the raw root found in the produce section for this specific recipe, as the jarred version provides a consistent acidity and heat level that integrates more smoothly into the mash.

How to Prepare Horseradish Mashed Potatoes

These horseradish mashed potatoes are perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas and pair well with chicken, seafood, or vegetarian meals. The recipe offers a twist on our classic best mashed potatoes, which are rich, creamy, and irresistibly good. Here are some tips for the process:

1. Boil the potatoes properly

Wash and chop your potatoes into even 1-inch pieces. I usually peel the Russets but leave some skin on the Yukon Golds for added texture, though you can peel them all if you prefer. Place them in a large pot, cover with cold water, and bring to a boil. Cook for about 10 to 15 minutes until fork-tender.

– Pro Tip: Starting the potatoes in cold water ensures they cook evenly; otherwise, the outer part becomes mushy before the insides are tender.

2. Steam dry

Once drained, return the potatoes to the hot pot (off the heat) for a minute or two. This enables excess moisture to evaporate for the ideal fluffy texture.

3. Add the dairy

While the potatoes are steaming, sauté the minced garlic in the butter directly in the same pot. Then, incorporate the milk to warm it. Avoid adding cold milk to hot potatoes; warming it keeps everything at the proper temperature and texture.

4. Mash and season

Pour the garlic-butter-milk mixture over the potatoes. Mash them using a standard potato masher. Finally, mix in the sour cream and prepared horseradish. Tip: Use 2 tablespoons of horseradish for a milder flavor, or 4 tablespoons for a stronger kick.

Serving Suggestions

These horseradish mashed potatoes pair well with many dishes. Here are some of my favorite serving ideas:

Storage and Reheating

These mashed potatoes are best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days. To reheat, place the potatoes in a saucepan over low heat. You may need to add a dash of milk or a pat of butter to revive the creamy texture as they warm.

I do not recommend freezing mashed potatoes as the texture may become grainy.

Dietary Notes

As written, this horseradish mashed potatoes recipe is vegetarian and gluten-free.

For a vegan and plant-based option, use vegan butter, dairy-free milk (I prefer oat milk), and omit the sour cream, adding more milk until smooth and creamy. Alternatively, refer to my vegan mashed potatoes recipe and mix in horseradish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I substitute creamy horseradish sauce instead? I wouldn’t recommend it. Creamy horseradish sauce generally includes mayonnaise and other fillers that can change the flavor profile. Stay with the grated “prepared” horseradish in vinegar.

How do I ensure my potatoes aren’t gluey?

Vegan Ingredients Used for Pumpkin Pie

Alex & Sonja: The Culinary Team Behind A Couple Cooks

Introducing Alex and Sonja Overhiser, the energetic couple who have transformed their love for cooking into a flourishing online community. As the creators of two celebrated cookbooks and the founders of the well-known site A Couple Cooks, Alex and Sonja have been motivating home chefs since 2010. Their adventure started with a straightforward goal: to provide simple, seasonal recipes that infuse joy into the kitchen.

Over time, A Couple Cooks has evolved into a thorough resource for anyone aiming to elevate their culinary expertise. The site features thousands of unique recipes, all crafted with dedication and imagination. From swift weeknight meals to intricate weekend celebrations, Alex and Sonja explore a vast array of dishes that cater to varied tastes and dietary needs.

Along with recipes, the couple shares essential cooking advice and meal planning suggestions, assisting readers in optimizing their kitchen workflows and making the best use of seasonal produce. Their content is not only educational but also visually stunning, with all photography captured by Alex and Sonja themselves. This personal touch extends to their recipe testing phase, which includes their own family, involving their children to guarantee each dish is both delectable and family-friendly.

Apart from their website, Alex and Sonja have written two cookbooks, further solidifying their reputation as credible voices in the culinary realm. Their books explore their cooking philosophy more deeply, giving readers a tangible way to integrate the Overhisers’ culinary insights into their own kitchens.

As dedicated parents and a real-life couple who enjoy cooking together, Alex and Sonja personify the belief that cooking can be a delightful, shared journey. Their narrative serves as a reminder of the ability of food to unite people, and their efforts continue to motivate countless individuals to appreciate the craft of cooking.