Ingredients:
- 4 medium-sized apples (such as Granny Smith or Gala)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup red hot candies (cinnamon imperials)
- Lemon juice (optional, for preventing browning)
Instructions:
Prepare the Apples:
- Wash the apples thoroughly under cold water. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.
- Core the apples and cut them into wedges, removing any seeds or tough parts. You can leave the peel on or peel the apples according to your preference. If you’re not serving the wedges immediately, you can sprinkle them with lemon juice to prevent browning.
Cook the Cinnamon Red Hot Syrup:
- In a small saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, and water. Stir well to combine.
- Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture comes to a simmer.
Add the Red Hot Candies:
- Once the syrup is simmering, add the red hot candies to the saucepan. Stir continuously until the candies are completely melted and the syrup is smooth. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
Coat the Apple Wedges:
- Carefully add the apple wedges to the saucepan with the cinnamon red hot syrup. Gently toss the wedges in the syrup until they are evenly coated.
Simmer:
- Reduce the heat to low and let the apple wedges simmer in the syrup for 5-7 minutes, or until they are tender but still hold their shape. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Serve:
- Once the apple wedges are cooked to your liking, remove them from the heat.
- Transfer the cinnamon red hot apple wedges to a serving dish or individual plates.
- You can serve them warm as a delicious dessert or snack. Optionally, you can garnish with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or a dollop of whipped cream.
- Enjoy your homemade Cinnamon Red Hot Apple Wedges, a sweet and spicy treat perfect for cozy evenings or festive gatherings!