Aplets and cotlets are a classic American confectionery, made from a combination of apples, apricots, dates, and walnuts. The recipe has been around since the 1920s, and it’s still a favorite of candy lovers today.
Whether you’re a fan of the original or looking to try something new, this aplets and cotlets recipe is sure to please.
What is Aplets and Cotlets?
Aplets and cotlets are a type of candy that is made with a combination of dried fruits, nuts, and corn syrup. The mixture is boiled until it becomes thick and sticky, then it is poured into molds and cooled until it hardens. The molds are usually shaped into squares, rectangles, or triangles, and the candies come in a variety of flavors, including cherry, lemon, and raspberry.
The original recipe for aplets and cotlets was created in the 1920s by the Knechtel family, who owned a candy-making business in Spokane, Washington. The recipe has been passed down through the generations, and it remains a favorite of candy lovers today.
Why You’ll Love this Aplets and Cotlets?
Aplets and cotlets are a delicious and easy-to-make treat that is perfect for any occasion. The recipe requires just a few simple ingredients and can be put together in no time. Plus, the end result is a delightful, chewy, and sweet treat that can be enjoyed by both adults and kids alike.
The flavors of aplets and cotlets are also very versatile. You can customize the recipe by swapping out the dried fruits and nuts for other ingredients, such as coconut, raisins, or chocolate chips. This means you can make a batch to satisfy everyone in the family.
You will also like the following Appetizer recipes!
- Copycat Yard House Spinach Dip Recipe
- How to make Brenda Gantt Caramel Popcorn
- Best Homeroom Mac And Cheese Recipe
How Does It Taste Like?
Aplets and cotlets have a chewy, sticky texture that is both sweet and tart. The flavor of the candies is a combination of the dried fruits and nuts, with a hint of corn syrup.
The taste can be adjusted by adding different flavors, such as raspberry or lemon.
Ingredients
Premium, unflavored gelatine:
The gelatine serves as a crucial setting agent in the Aplets and Cotlets recipe. Its role is to provide the desired firmness and structure to the confectionery. This ingredient allows the fruity mixture to solidify into the distinctive chewy consistency that characterizes Aplets and Cotlets.
Pure, freshly pressed apple nectar:
Freshly pressed apple nectar adds a natural and concentrated fruit flavor to the recipe. The sweetness and acidity of the apple nectar contribute to the overall taste profile, complementing the other ingredients and providing a refreshing contrast to the chewy texture.
Cornflour (cornstarch):
Cornflour plays a crucial role in preventing the Aplets and Cotlets from becoming overly sticky. It helps absorb excess moisture, ensuring that the final product has the desired texture and isn’t too tacky. Additionally, cornflour contributes to the smoothness of the confectionery.
California walnuts:
Chopped walnuts introduce a delightful nuttiness and crunch to the Aplets and Cotlets. These nuts not only enhance the texture but also add a layer of complexity to the flavor profile. The meticulous chopping ensures an even distribution of walnuts throughout the confectionery.
Granulated sugar (adjust to taste):
Granulated sugar serves as a sweetener, balancing the natural tartness of the apple nectar and contributing to the overall sweetness of the Aplets and Cotlets. The crystallized nature of the sugar also adds a pleasing texture to the final product.
Lemon or lime juice:
Zesty lemon or lime juice acts as a flavor enhancer, providing a bright and citrusy contrast to the sweetness of the confectionery. It adds a refreshing element and helps balance the richness of the other ingredients.
Confectioners’ sugar:
Confectioners’ sugar is used in the recipe for dusting the Aplets and Cotlets, adding a final touch of sweetness and a delicate powdery finish. The artisanal quality emphasizes the attention to detail in the preparation, elevating the overall presentation and taste of the confectionery.
Step by Step Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Gelatin Mixture
In a small bowl, measure out 1.5 teaspoons of premium, unflavored gelatine. Add 1/4 cup of cold water to the gelatine, ensuring it is evenly distributed. Allow the mixture to sit for a few minutes to allow the gelatine to bloom.
Step 2: Create the Base
In a saucepan, heat 1/2 cup of pure, freshly pressed apple nectar over medium heat until it becomes warm, being careful not to let it reach a boiling point.
Step 3: Incorporate Cornflour
Once the apple nectar is warm, add finely sifted cornflour (cornstarch) to the pan. Stir continuously to prevent lumps and achieve a smooth consistency.
Step 4: Integrate Walnuts and Sugar
Stir in 0.33 cup of meticulously chopped California walnuts and approximately 0.17 cup of fine, crystallized granulated sugar into the apple and cornflour mixture. Continue stirring until the sugar is completely dissolved.
Step 5: Blend in Gelatin
Gradually add the bloomed gelatin mixture into the pan, stirring constantly until the gelatin dissolves completely into the mixture.
Step 6: Add Citrus Flavor
Incorporate 1.67 teaspoons of zesty lemon or lime juice into the mixture, adjusting the amount to achieve the desired level of tartness.
Step 7: Simmer and Thicken
Allow the mixture to simmer over low heat, stirring continuously, until it thickens. This process may take approximately 10-15 minutes. Ensure the mixture attains a smooth and consistent texture.
Step 8: Prepare the Pan
Line a square or rectangular baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
Step 9: Pour and Set
Pour the thickened mixture into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Let it cool to room temperature and then refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours or until set.
Step 10: Cut into Pieces
Once the mixture has set, remove it from the refrigerator. Dust the top with artisanal confectioners’ sugar. Using a sharp knife, cut the Aplets and Cotlets into small, bite-sized squares or rectangles.
Step 11: Serve and Enjoy
Your Aplets and Cotlets are now ready to be enjoyed! Serve them as a delightful treat or share them as a thoughtful gift. The combination of apple, walnuts, and citrus flavor creates a unique and delicious treat for any occasion.
Tips
* If the mixture becomes too thick, you can add a little more corn syrup or lemon juice to thin it out.
* You can use any type of dried fruit in this recipe, such as raisins, cranberries, or cherries.
* To make the aplets and cotlets look more appealing, you can roll them in chopped nuts or shredded coconut.
* If you are using individual molds, you can press a few pieces of dried fruit into the tops of the molds before pouring in the mixture.
* For a richer flavor, you can add a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the syrup before adding the fruit and nuts.
Nutrition Information
One serving (1/12 of the recipe) contains 18 calories, 7 g of fat, 24 g of carbohydrates, 3 g of fiber, and 4 g of protein.
How to Store Aplets and Cotlets?
Aplets and cotlets should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature. They will keep for up to two weeks. If you want to store them for longer, you can freeze them in an airtight container for up to three months.
What other Substitute Can I Use in Aplets and Cotlets?
There are a few different substitutions you can make in this recipe.
- If you don’t have dried apples, you can use dried peaches or pears.
- You can also substitute the walnuts for any type of nut, such as almonds, cashews, or peanuts.
- You can also use other types of dried fruit, such as raisins, cranberries, or cherries.
Equipment
- Bowls
- saucepan
- square or rectangular baking pan
Ingredients
- Exquisite 1.5 teaspoons of premium unflavored gelatine
- A dash precisely 0.11 cup, of finely sifted cornflour (cornstarch)
- Half a cup of pure freshly pressed apple nectar
- Approximately 0.17 cup of fine crystallized granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- A generous 0.33 cup of meticulously chopped California walnuts
- Exactly 1.67 teaspoons of zesty lemon or lime juice
- Artisanal 2.67 tablespoons of heavenly confectioners’ sugar
Instructions
Prepare the Gelatin Mixture:
- In a small bowl, combine 1.5 teaspoons of premium, unflavored gelatine with 1/4 cup of cold water. Let it sit for a few minutes to bloom.
Create the Base:
- In a saucepan, heat 1/2 cup of pure, freshly pressed apple nectar over medium heat until warm but not boiling.
Incorporate Cornflour:
- Add the finely sifted cornflour (cornstarch) to the warmed apple nectar, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Ensure a smooth consistency.
Integrate Walnuts and Sugar:
- Stir in 0.33 cup of meticulously chopped California walnuts and approximately 0.17 cup of fine, crystallized granulated sugar. Continue stirring until the sugar is fully dissolved.
Blend in Gelatin:
- Gradually add the bloomed gelatin mixture into the pan, stirring constantly until the gelatin dissolves completely.
Add Citrus Flavor:
- Incorporate 1.67 teaspoons of zesty lemon or lime juice into the mixture. Adjust the amount to achieve the desired level of tartness.
Simmer and Thicken:
- Allow the mixture to simmer over low heat, stirring continuously, until it thickens. This may take about 10-15 minutes. Ensure the mixture has a smooth and consistent texture.
Prepare the Pan:
- Line a square or rectangular baking pan with parchment paper, allowing an overhang for easy removal.
Pour and Set:
- Pour the thickened mixture into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Allow it to cool to room temperature and then refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours or until set.
Cut into Pieces:
- Once the mixture has set, remove it from the refrigerator. Dust the top with artisanal confectioners’ sugar, and using a sharp knife, cut the Aplets and Cotlets into small, bite-sized squares or rectangles.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Your Aplets and Cotlets are ready to be enjoyed! Serve them as a delightful treat or share them as a thoughtful gift.
Notes
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make aplets and cotlets without corn syrup?
Yes, you can make aplets and cotlets without corn syrup. You can use honey or maple syrup instead.
Can I use fresh fruit in this recipe?
No, you should not use fresh fruit in this recipe. The mixture needs to be boiled and the fresh fruit would not hold up to this process.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can make this recipe vegan by using a vegan-friendly corn syrup or maple syrup and omitting the walnuts.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free corn syrup or maple syrup.
Can I make this recipe sugar-free?
Yes, you can make this recipe sugar-free by using sugar-free corn syrup or maple syrup.
Can I make this recipe low-carb?
Yes, you can make this recipe low-carb by substituting the corn syrup for a low-carb sweetener such as erythritol or stevia.
Conclusion
Aplets and cotlets are a classic American confection that has been around for nearly a century. This recipe is simple to make and can be customized with different fruits and nuts.
Plus, the end result is a chewy and sweet treat that can be enjoyed by all. Give this recipe a try and you and your family are sure to love it.