Ingredients with Measurements:
- 4 medium-sized apples, peeled and grated
- 1 cup raisins
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/4 cup water
Special equipment needed:
- Parchment paper
- Food processor or blender
- Candy thermometer
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 200°F.
2. In a food processor or blender, puree the grated apples until smooth.
3. In a large saucepan, combine the apple puree, raisins, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, lemon juice, and water.
4. Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar dissolves.
5. Reduce the heat to low and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens and becomes a sticky paste. This should take about 45 minutes to an hour.
6. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
7. Spread the apple-raisin mixture onto the parchment paper, smoothing it out to an even thickness of about 1/4 inch.
8. Bake the pastila in the preheated oven for 2-3 hours, or until it is dry and no longer sticky.
9. Remove the pastila from the oven and let it cool completely.
10. Cut the pastila into small squares or circles.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours 45 minutes
Temperature:
Oven temperature: 200°F
Serving size:
Makes about 20-25 pieces
Nutritional information:
Calories: 120
Fat: 0.2g
Carbohydrates: 31g
Protein: 0.5g
Sodium: 1mg
Fiber: 1.5g
Sugar: 28g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use any type of apple for this recipe.
- You can substitute the raisins with dried cranberries or chopped dates.
- If you don't have ground cinnamon, you can use cinnamon sticks and remove them before baking.
- If you don't have ground nutmeg or cloves, you can omit them or use pumpkin pie spice instead.
Variations:
- You can add chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, to the mixture before baking.
- You can add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the mixture for extra flavor.
- You can use different spices, such as ginger or allspice, to change the flavor profile.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to stir the mixture constantly while cooking to prevent it from burning.
- If the mixture starts to stick to the bottom of the pan, add a little more water.
- You can test if the pastila is done by touching it with your finger. If it is dry and no longer sticky, it is ready.
- Store the pastila in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Storage instructions:
Store the pastila in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Reheating instructions:
The pastila does not need to be reheated.
Presentation ideas:
Arrange the pastila on a platter and sprinkle with powdered sugar.
Garnishes:
Sprinkle with chopped nuts or dried fruit.
Pairings:
Serve with a cup of tea or coffee.
Suggested side dishes:
Serve with a cheese plate or a fruit salad.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the mixture is too thin, continue to cook it until it thickens.
- If the mixture is too thick, add a little more water.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to wash your hands and all equipment before starting.
- Use a candy thermometer to ensure the mixture reaches a safe temperature.
- Store the pastila in an airtight container to prevent contamination.
Food history:
Pastila is a traditional Russian dessert made from fruit puree and sugar. It has been enjoyed for centuries and was often served to royalty.
Flavor profiles:
The spiced apple-raisin pastila has a sweet and tangy flavor with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the pastila as a dessert or a snack. It is perfect for a tea party or as a homemade gift.
Related Categories
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Region: Russian
Taste: Sweet, Spicy, Fruity, Nutty, Caramelized