Don't keep the gingerbread flavour confined to Christmas. Combining it with apples makes for a refreshing twist in this gingerbread with caramelized apples recipe. (QMI Agency/TVA Publications)

Gingerbread with Caramelized Apples, Maple Cream

Preparation time: 40 minutes

Cooking time: 50 minutes

Gingerbread

1/2 cup (125 ml) honey

1/2 cup (125 ml) molasses

1/4 cup (50 ml) butter

2-1/4 cups (550 ml) all-purpose flour

2 tsp. (10 ml) baking powder

1 tsp. (5 ml) ground cinnamon

1 tsp. (5 ml) ground nutmeg

1/2 tsp. (2 ml) ground ginger

1/4 tsp. (1 ml) ground cloves

1/4 tsp. (1 ml) salt

1 egg

1/2 cup (125 ml) milk

Apples and cream (for 4 servings)

1/2 cup (125 ml) cream 35%

1/4 cup (50 ml) maple sugar

2 Tbsp. (30 ml) butter

2 apples, peeled and cut into 12 wedges

To prepare gingerbread, in a small saucepan over medium heat honey, molasses and butter for 5 minutes or until butter is melted. Remove from heat and let cool. In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves and salt. In another bowl, combine egg and milk. Stir in honey and milk mixture to dry ingredients and mix well. Butter and flour an 8-inch (20 cm) square pan and pour the preparation. Bake for 40 minutes in preheated oven at 350F (180C). Cool on rack.

For apples and cream, whip cream, add 2 Tbsp. (30 ml) maple sugar, then whisk lightly. In a skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat and sear the apple wedges for 5 minutes, sprinkle the rest of sugar and turn the apple pieces. Continue cooking about 5 minutes or until apples are lightly caramelized on the both sides. Cut gingerbread into long slices about 1/2 -inch (1 cm) thick and 8 inches (20 cm) long. Pour the bread with cream and garnish with apple pieces. Serve immediately.

Source: QMI Agency/TVA Publications

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