Fried Apple Rings with Maple Glaze

apples

What You Need:

3/4 C of flour
1 egg, beaten
1/4 C of maple syrup
1/4 C of buttermilk
3 large apples, peeled, cored and cut into rings
Oil for frying

How to Make It:

Whisk together the flour, egg, syrup and buttermilk.
Dip the apples into the mixture, coating both sides.
Pour 2 inches of oil into the deep fryer.
Heat the oil to 375 degrees.
Fry the apples a few at a time for 2 minutes or until they are golden brown.
Drain on paper towel and continue until all the apple rings are fried.

Makes 4 servings

When deep frying in batches always be sure the oil reaches the desired temperature before adding more food to fry. These apple rings are a mighty tasty side dish addition to any meal. Turn them into a great dessert by dusting them with a little confectioner’s sugar.

Maple Topped Cinnamon Rolls

cinnamonrolls

What You Need:

1/3 C + 1 tsp sugar, divided
1 pkg. dry yeast
3/4 C warm water, 100 to 110 degrees
5 tbsp butter, melted and divided
1/2 tsp salt
1 large egg
3 1/2 C of flour
2/3 C of brown sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp orange peel, grated
1/4 C pecans, chopped
1 C powdered sugar
2 tbsp maple syrup
1 tbsp fat free milk

How to Make It:

Stir 1 tsp of the sugar and the yeast into the warm water until dissolved.
Allow to stand undisturbed for 5 minutes.
Whisk together the remaining sugar, 3 tbsp of butter, the salt and the egg together.
Add the yeast mixture and beat with an electric mixer on medium until well blended.
Add the flour slowly, beating as you add on low until the mixture forms a soft dough.
Lightly flour a flat surface and turn the dough out onto the flour.
Knead the dough for 5 minutes, adding 1 tbsp of flour if necessary, until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Spray a non metal bowl with cooking spray and add the dough ball, turning to coat.
Cover and allow to rest 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and punch it down using your knuckles.
Roll the dough into a rectangle and brush the top side with the remaining butter.
Toss together in a mixing bowl the brown sugar, cinnamon and orange peel.
Scatter the mixture over the dough to within 1/2 inch of all the edges.
Roll the dough, beginning with a long side into a tight jelly roll.
Slice the rolls into 18 pieces and place cut side up into a baking pan.
Cover and allow rising for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Set the oven temperature to 375 allowing it to preheat.
Bake the rolls 20 minutes or until the tops are a golden brown.
Place the powdered sugar, syrup and milk into a bowl and whisk until smooth.
Top the warm rolls with the glaze and serve.

Makes 18 rolls

Try these rolls for breakfast or a brunch and see how fast they go. A regular glaze of powdered sugar and milk may used if you wish. Waiting on the dough to rise before you baking them is the only hard part when it comes to making these tasty breakfast treats.

Pork Chops with Preserve Topping

apoicotpreserve

apoicotpreserveWhat You Need:

4 boneless pork chops
1/2 t salt
1/2 t pepper
1 T of olive oil
1/4 C of butter
3 T of maple syrup
3 T of apricot preserves
1/2 t dried basil
3 pears, cored and sliced thin

How to Make It:

Coat both sides of the chops with the salt and pepper.
Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat then add the chops.
Cook the chops for 10 minutes turning once, until the chops are cooked through.
Place the cooked chops on a platter and cover to keep warm.
Add the butter to the same skillet and heat until melted.
Stir the syrup and preserves into the butter until combined well.
Add the basil and stir again to incorporate.
Add the pear slices and stir to coat.
Cover the skillet and cook the pears for 3 minutes or until tender.
Top the pork chops with the sauce before serving.

Makes 4 servings

Apricot preserves and pears make a tasty sauce for these pork chops. Try other combination’s of fruits and preserves. Apples with peach preserves are a good combination. Add a salad or a vegetable to this meal for a quick and appetizing dinner.

Preparation Time: approximately 15 minutes
Cook Time: approximately 13 minutes
Total Time: approximately 28 minutes

Nutritional Information: (approximate values per serving)
Calories 495; Fat 23g; Saturated Fat 11g; Carbohydrates 40g; Fiber 4g;
Protein 32g; Cholesterol 108 mg; Sodium 437 mg