Fall is here and its around this time of year that I usually feel a little sad, having to say goodbye to summer, knowing that colder days are on the way. It is never easy for me! Having a bad cold at the moment isn’t helping matters.
Having said that, fall does have it’s up sides! I enjoy the turning of the leaves, the beautiful orange, red, and yellow colors that the season brings. And I of course enjoy the fall produce, like pumpkins, apples and pears.
Today I want to share another apple recipe with you. Sweet Arepas with Caramelized Apples. It is a delicious and simple dessert using one of my favorite Colombian foods… arepas!!
Buen provecho!
Ingredients:
For the Sweet Arepas:
1 cup masarepa (preecooked cornmeal)
1 cup warm water
2 tablespoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Vegetable oil for frying
For the Apples:
3 tablespoons butter
Pinch salt
2 peeled and sliced apples
4 tablespoons brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 cup water
Directions:
1. To make the arepas: Combine the masarepa, warm water, cinnamon and sugar, mixing thoroughly. Let mixture stand for five minutes.
2. Knead with your hands for about 3 minutes, moistening your hands with water as you work.
3. Form 6 small balls with the dough. Place each ball between 2 plastic bags and with a flat pot cover, flatten to ¼ inch.
4. Heat the vegetable oil in a large heavy pot to 350 F. Add the arepas in the heated oil one by one, fry for 3 minutes, turning over once about half way through.
5. Using a slotted spoon, carefully remove the arepas from the oil and drain on paper towels and sprinkle with sugar. Set aside.
To cook the apples:
6. Place the butter in a skillet and melt over medium-high heat. Add a pinch of salt. Add the apples and sprinkle with the sugar and cinnamon and cook, stirring often, until slightly softened, about 2 minutes.
7. Reduce the heat to moderately low, add the water and cook until the apples are almost cooked through and the sugar has melted and is coating the apples in a light syrup.
8. To assemble: Place the arepas on a platter and top them with the apples and vanilla ice cream.
{ 13 comments… read them below or add one }
But boy do I love the fall. Especially food like this!
I’ve never had a dessert arepa before but seeing as how regular arepas are amazing beyond belief…I’m sure they’re amazing beyond belief squared. What a way to welcome in the fall!
Sorry you’re not feeling well, Erica, but you certainly posted a tasty recipe! So smart of you to make a sweet apple arepa!
I can get apples the whole year round even though we don’t grow apples here lol! That sweet arepas of yours looks very delicious!
I never tough of sweet arepas, great idea!
I also like the summer best, but pumpkin, pears and apples make things easier.
apples in desserts never fail to delight me. this is unique to me and oh-so-tasty–nice one, erica!
Sweet arepas remind me of my Venezuelan cachapas….lovely adn so mouth watering….
Thank you guys!
Hi Erica, I just recently found your blog, I am Colombian and crazy about my Colombian food. I recently made one of your recipes (fish in cocunut sauce) and it was a hit at home. Even my three year old who is so picky with food ate the whole thing! Thank you for posting this recipe with arepa and apples (I don’t like apple pie neither!). My mom used to make us “arepa dulce” when we were kids and it was one of our favorite. I have tried to replicate her special recipe with no success. Hers were so moisty, and sweet and delicious, mine are dried and hard to chew! I will make your recipe to find out if it makes a difference. Thanks again!
what kind of apples should i use in this recipe
Kaitlyn-Your favorite cooking apples.
Looks delicious and I love fall, as I wait for apples to arrive fresh and crispy. I could almost smell this delight through the screen.
That dessert would certainly make any one feel better, it looks fantastic! I’m looking forward to the cooler weather, it’s been such a hot summer. And all the Fall recipes that go along with it! Hope you’re feeling better.