Randy Chandler
Macaroni and cheese is a beloved dish worldwide, but some people like to add a twist to it by including applesauce. This combination of applesauce and macaroni and cheese is called Älplermagronen in Swiss-German and is a classic alpine dish from Switzerland. It is usually served with a side of applesauce or apple compote, with the intention of cutting through the richness of the cheese. Some people like to eat it as a dessert, while others mix it with the macaroni and cheese. This unique pairing seems to have originated from a practical need to prevent children from burning their mouths on hot macaroni and cheese, and it has now become a delicious tradition for many families.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Origin | Switzerland |
| Common Name | Älplermagronen |
| Other Names | Alpine Macaroni, Alpen Macaroni, Swiss Macaroni and Cheese with Applesauce, Herdsman Macaroni |
| Main Ingredients | Macaroni, Cheese, Applesauce |
| Common Additions | Crispy Bacon, Potatoes, Caramelized Onions |
| Cheese Options | Gruyère, Emmentaler, French Comté |
| Applesauce Texture | Smooth Purée |
| Applesauce Taste | Tart-Sweet |
| Applesauce Consumption | Eaten Together, As Dessert, or Back and Forth |
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What You'll Learn
Swiss Älplermagronen
The dish has several variations depending on the region, but some common ingredients and preparation methods include:
Ingredients:
- Pasta: Hollow, tubular macaroni is typically used, but any type of pasta can work.
- Potatoes: Waxy potatoes such as Yukon Gold are recommended as they hold their shape better when boiled. The potatoes are cubed into 1/2-inch pieces and cooked in the exact amount of liquid required, similar to cooking rice.
- Cream: Light cream, single cream, half-and-half, or a combination of heavy cream and milk can be used. The milk fat content can vary, but aim for around 18-22%.
- Cheese: Traditional Swiss cheeses such as Appenzeller or Gruyère are ideal, and it is important to grate the cheese yourself. Other options include mild Gruyère or Emmentaler cheese.
- Onions: These can be prepared caramelized, crispy, or sweet. Chop the onions into slices and cook them over medium heat until they are translucent and golden.
- Applesauce: The Swiss like to serve their applesauce smoothly puréed. Peel, core, and chop firm and slightly sour apples, then cook them over low heat until softened. Use an immersion blender to purée the apples, and season with cinnamon, mixed spice, or sugar to taste.
Optional Ingredients:
- Crispy bacon or roasted bacon lardons: These add a savory element to the dish and can be crumbled or served as garnish.
- Fried onion rings: These provide a nice sweetness and crunch to contrast with the soft pasta.
- Sausage or cervelat: Any type of sausage can be added for extra flavor.
- Spices: Dijon mustard, nutmeg, salt, and pepper can be used to season the sauce.
Preparation:
- Start by making a béchamel or white sauce: Heat butter in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add flour, stock cube, and Dijon mustard, stirring until a paste forms. Slowly whisk in the milk, then use a wooden spoon to continuously stir the sauce over the heat until it thickens.
- Add the grated cheese to the sauce and stir until combined.
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- In a separate pan, cook the cubed potatoes until tender.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, potatoes, and cheese sauce. Mix well to ensure everything is coated in the sauce.
- Serve the Älplermagronen with a side of applesauce, allowing individuals to mix or dip according to their preference.
Älplermagronen is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for warming up on cold winter nights. It is a unique twist on the classic macaroni and cheese, with a combination of flavors and textures that will leave you wanting more.
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Applesauce as dessert
Applesauce is a versatile ingredient that can be used in both sweet and savoury dishes. While some enjoy it as a simple snack, dusted with cinnamon, others use it as an ingredient in baked goods or as a substitute for eggs, oil, or butter.
When it comes to dessert, applesauce can be a key component in a variety of sweet treats. Its natural sweetness and tangy flavour make it an ideal addition to cakes, cookies, and breads. For example, applesauce can be combined with brown sugar, raisin bread, and a quick-oat streusel topping to create a unique take on bread pudding. It can also be used in muffins, providing natural sweetness and a soft, tender texture.
Applesauce can also be used in pancakes, providing a vibrant flavour when combined with lemon juice and cinnamon. For a more indulgent dessert, applesauce can be mixed with sweetened condensed milk and used as a pie filling. Those who enjoy oatmeal but not raisins can try a combination of quick oats, honey, unsweetened applesauce, and dark chocolate chips for a rich and chunky cookie.
In addition to these dessert options, applesauce can be used in a variety of baked goods, such as doughnuts, cake bars, and brownies. Its moisture-retaining properties make it an excellent ingredient in cakes, keeping them soft and moist. It can also be used as a substitute for eggs in vegan baking, as seen in some muffin and breakfast bar recipes.
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Applesauce with other foods
Applesauce is a versatile ingredient that can be used in both sweet and savoury dishes. It can be used as a replacement for eggs, oil, or butter in baked goods, adding moisture and natural sweetness. Here are some specific examples of how applesauce can be combined with other foods:
Baked Goods
Applesauce can be used in various baked goods, including cakes, muffins, cookies, and breads. It can act as a binding agent, bringing dry ingredients together, and it adds moisture and natural sweetness to the final product. For example, applesauce can be used to make soft and gluten-free breakfast bars, as well as vegan muffins, where it replaces eggs or butter.
Oatmeal Cups and Breakfast Bars
Applesauce can be incorporated into oatmeal cups and breakfast bars. It adds moisture and a hint of sweetness to these dishes, making them a tasty and healthy option for breakfast or a snack.
Salads
Applesauce can be used as a dressing or vinaigrette for salads. For example, a fall-inspired salad can combine fresh apples, celery, and pecans with a tangy applesauce and apple cider vinegar vinaigrette, creating a refreshing and tasty dish.
Meat Dishes
Applesauce can be used to add flavour and moisture to meat dishes. For instance, it can be combined with brown sugar, mustard, and garlic to create a savoury and sweet sauce for kielbasa, a type of Polish sausage.
Macaroni and Cheese
Perhaps one of the most intriguing combinations is applesauce with macaroni and cheese. This unique pairing has been featured in recipes such as Swiss Macaroni and Cheese with Applesauce, also known as Älplermagronen in Swiss-German. The dish includes a creamy béchamel sauce, strong and aged Gruyère cheese, and a side of applesauce. Some people choose to mix the applesauce directly into the macaroni and cheese, while others prefer to dip the pasta into the applesauce. This combination adds a hint of sweetness to the salty and cheesy flavours of the dish.
Personal Preferences
The combination of applesauce and macaroni and cheese is not limited to the Swiss variety. Several individuals have shared their experiences of growing up with this unusual pairing, either as a family tradition or as a way to cool down the macaroni and cheese before eating it. While some may find this combination strange, others have embraced it as a comforting taste of childhood.
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Applesauce preparation
Preparing applesauce is a simple process that yields a delicious treat. The basic ingredients are apples, sugar, and cinnamon, but you can also add lemon juice, lemon peel, orange juice, apple cider vinegar, or vanilla extract to enhance the flavor and balance the sweetness. The type of apples you use is also important. While you can use any apples you have on hand, a combination of sweet and tangy varieties like Honeycrisp, Fuji, Granny Smith, and Braeburn will create a more complex and well-rounded flavor.
Step 1: Prepare the Apples
Start by peeling the apples. This step is optional, but peeling the apples will result in a smoother sauce. You can use a sharp vegetable peeler or paring knife to remove the outer peel. Then, core and chop the apples into quarters or smaller pieces.
Step 2: Cook the Apples
Place the prepared apples in a large saucepan or pot. Add a small amount of water, along with any additional ingredients such as sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, or apple cider vinegar. Cover the pot and cook over medium heat until the apples are soft and tender. This should take around 15- 25 minutes, depending on the size of the apple pieces.
Step 3: Mash or Blend
Once the apples are cooked, let them cool slightly. Then, use a potato masher or fork to mash the apples to your desired consistency. If you prefer a smoother applesauce, you can use a blender or food processor to puree the apples. Taste the applesauce at this point and adjust the sweetness or spices as needed.
Step 4: Store and Serve
Allow the applesauce to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about a week, or even longer if frozen. You can serve applesauce as a snack, dessert, or side dish. It pairs well with pancakes, French toast, ice cream, yogurt, or pork chops.
Applesauce is a versatile and flavorful dish that is easy to make at home. By following these steps and adjusting the ingredients to your taste, you can create a delicious and healthy treat to enjoy any time of the year.
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Applesauce and cheese
Combining applesauce and macaroni and cheese is not unheard of. In fact, it is a classic Swiss dish called Älplermagronen, or "alpine macaroni". This dish is a heartier, bolder version of the American macaroni and cheese, and is traditionally served with a side of applesauce.
The Swiss like to serve their applesauce very smoothly pureed, with added sugar to taste. The macaroni and cheese component of the dish is made with a béchamel or white sauce, and a strong, aged cheese such as Gruyère, or a milder version of the same, or Emmentaler. Crispy bacon and caramelized onions are also common toppings.
The intention of the applesauce is to cut through the richness of the cheese. There is no right or wrong way to eat this dish, and diners may choose to eat the applesauce together with the macaroni, or save it to eat as dessert. Some people dip the macaroni in the applesauce, while others mix the two together.
Outside of Switzerland, the combination of applesauce and macaroni and cheese is seen as unusual, and some people have reported being mocked for eating it. However, those who have tried it seem to enjoy it, reporting that the applesauce adds a hint of sweetness that complements the salty cheese.
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Frequently asked questions
No, it's not weird. While it may not be a popular combination, it is a classic Swiss dish called Älplermagronen, or "alpine macaroni". It is a heartier and bolder version of the American macaroni and cheese, usually served with a side of applesauce.
To make Swiss Alpine macaroni and cheese, start by making a béchamel or white sauce. Then, add grated cheese and stir until the sauce thickens. Boil potatoes and cook tubular macaroni separately. Finally, serve the macaroni and potatoes with cheese sauce, topped with caramelized onions, crispy bacon, and applesauce on the side.
To make applesauce from scratch, cook apples and blend them into a smooth purée. Taste the purée and add sugar to adjust the sweetness.
There is no right or wrong way to eat macaroni and cheese with applesauce. You can mix the applesauce into the macaroni and cheese, alternate bites of each, or save the applesauce for dessert.
