Crunchy Snapdragon Apples And Cheesy Delights: Perfect Pairings

SnapDragon apples are a relatively new variety of apples developed by Cornell University's apple breeding program. They are known for their sweet, crisp, and juicy flesh, with vanilla, melon, and spice-filled undertones. When it comes to cheese pairings, SnapDragon apples are quite versatile. They can be paired with a variety of cheeses such as cheddar, fontina, feta, goat cheese, and havarti. One popular recipe idea is the SnapDragon Apple and Goat Cheese Baguette with Honey Drizzle, which combines the sweetness of the apples with the tanginess of goat cheese and a hint of honey. Another option is to create a fruit and cheese board, where SnapDragon apples can be paired with a variety of cheeses such as cheddar, fontina, feta, and more.

SnapDragon apples and Havarti cheese in a grilled cheese sandwich

SnapDragon apples are a relatively new apple variety developed by Cornell University's apple breeding program. They are known for their sweet, crisp, and juicy flesh, with a very sweet and subtly tart flavour and a "Monster Crunch". When it comes to grilled cheese sandwiches, SnapDragon apples pair particularly well with tangy Havarti cheese and sourdough bread.

Ingredients:

• SnapDragon apples (2-3 apples)
• Havarti cheese (sliced)
• Sourdough bread (2 slices)
• Butter (softened)
• Spiced apple butter (optional)

Instructions:

• Start by washing and thinly slicing the SnapDragon apples. Remove the core and seeds.
• Lightly butter one side of each slice of sourdough bread.
• Place one slice of bread, buttered-side down, in a skillet or non-stick pan over medium heat.
• Layer sliced Havarti cheese on the bread, covering the entire surface.
• Arrange the SnapDragon apple slices on top of the cheese in a single layer.
• If desired, spread a thin layer of spiced apple butter over the apples.
• Top with another layer of Havarti cheese.
• Place the second slice of bread on top, buttered-side up.
• Grill the sandwich for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
• Slice the grilled cheese sandwich diagonally and serve immediately.

The combination of the sweet and spicy SnapDragon apples, the tangy Havarti cheese, and the sourdough bread creates a delicious and unique grilled cheese sandwich. The apple butter adds an extra layer of flavour and spice, enhancing the overall taste experience.

Feel free to experiment with different types of bread, such as rye or multigrain, or add extra ingredients like honey, walnuts, or arugula to create your own signature SnapDragon apple and Havarti grilled cheese sandwich. Enjoy!

SnapDragon apples and goat cheese on a baguette

SnapDragon apples are a relatively new variety of apples developed by Cornell University's apple breeding program. They are known for their sweet, crisp, and juicy flesh, with vanilla, melon, and spice-filled undertones. SnapDragon apples pair well with several types of cheese, including goat cheese.

Ingredients:

• SnapDragon apples: Crisp, juicy, and sweet apples with a hint of vanilla and melon.
• Goat cheese: Tangy and creamy goat cheese, also known as chevre.
• Baguette: A crusty French baguette with a chewy texture and a thin, crisp crust.
• Honey (optional): For an extra touch of sweetness and flavour.

Preparation:

• Slice the baguette: Cut the baguette into even slices, about 1/2-inch thick.
• Toast the bread (optional): For an added crunch and flavour, you can lightly toast the baguette slices before assembling the sandwich.
• Spread the goat cheese: Spread a generous amount of goat cheese on each slice of baguette.
• Slice the SnapDragon apples: Cut the apples into thin slices or wedges. Remove the core and any seeds.
• Assemble the baguette: Place the apple slices on top of the goat cheese. Drizzle with honey, if desired.
• Season and serve: Add a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper, if desired. Serve the baguette immediately for the best taste and texture.

Pairing Suggestions:

• Wine pairing: SnapDragon apple and goat cheese baguette pairs well with a glass of your favourite white wine. A crisp and dry white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, can complement the sweetness of the apples and the tanginess of the goat cheese.
• Salad on the side: Consider serving the baguette with a fresh green salad on the side. The crispness of the apples and the creaminess of the goat cheese go well with mixed greens, sliced almonds, and a light vinaigrette dressing.
• Soup pairing: For a heartier meal, pair the baguette with a bowl of soup. A creamy tomato soup or a butternut squash soup can add a warm and comforting element to the dish.

SnapDragon apple and Brie Phyllo Cups

SnapDragon apples are a relatively new apple variety developed by Cornell University's apple breeding program. They are known for their sweet, crisp, and juicy flesh, with vanilla, melon, and spice-filled undertones. When it comes to cheese pairings, SnapDragon apples are quite versatile and can be paired with a variety of cheeses such as cheddar, fontina, feta, goat cheese, and brie.

Now, let's take a closer look at the recipe for SnapDragon apple and Brie Phyllo Cups, a delicious and elegant appetizer that can be prepared in under 20 minutes.

Ingredients:

• Mini Phyllo Cups: Look for ready-to-use phyllo cups in the freezer section of your grocery store, usually near the frozen phyllo dough sheets or puff pastry.
• SnapDragon Apples: These apples have a spicy-sweet flavor with a hint of vanilla and a satisfyingly crispy crunch. You'll need about half an apple, sliced thin and cut into 1-inch pieces.
• Brie Cheese: Go for a medium or intense Brie, depending on your preference. You'll need a small wedge, cut into bite-sized pieces.
• Bacon: Use 3 slices of crispy cooked bacon, crumbled. The smoky flavor pairs well with the apples.
• Honey: A small amount for drizzling.
• Lemon: You'll need about half a lemon to squeeze over the apple slices to prevent oxidation.

Instructions:

• Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
• Arrange the phyllo cups on the prepared baking sheet.
• Cut the Brie into bite-sized pieces and place them into the phyllo cups.
• Drizzle the SnapDragon apple slices with lemon juice and toss to coat.
• Place 2-3 pieces of apple into each phyllo cup, gently pressing them into the cheese.
• Sprinkle the crumbled bacon generously into each phyllo cup.
• Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
• Remove from the oven and drizzle each cup with a small amount of honey. Serve immediately.

Tips:

• Line your pan with parchment or a silicone baking mat for easier cleanup.
• Fry the bacon until crispy to avoid any chewy pieces.
• There is no need to peel the SnapDragon apples, as the skin adds a pop of color to the dish. However, you can peel them if you prefer.
• Use a light hand when drizzling the honey, as a little goes a long way.
• These Phyllo Cups are best served immediately, but any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

SnapDragon apples with feta cheese in a quinoa salad

SnapDragon apples are a relatively new variety of apples developed by Cornell University's apple breeding program. They are known for their sweet, crisp, and juicy flesh, with vanilla, melon, and spice-filled undertones. These apples pair well with a variety of cheeses, including cheddar, fontina, feta, and goat cheese.

SnapDragon Apple Quinoa Salad

Ingredients:

• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and cooked according to package directions
• 1/4 cup golden or sultana raisins
• 1 19 oz. (540 mL) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
• 1 big handful of flat-leaf parsley, chopped
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (or more, to taste)
• 1 SnapDragon apple, chopped (or any tart-ish apple variety)
• 1/2 cup toasted walnuts or almonds
• 1/4 cup canola or olive oil
• 2 Tbsp. rice vinegar or lemon juice
• 1/4 tsp. curry paste or powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

• In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, rice vinegar or lemon juice, curry paste or powder, and season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
• In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, raisins, chickpeas, parsley, feta cheese, SnapDragon apple, and half of the toasted nuts. Drizzle with the dressing and toss to combine.
• Taste the salad and adjust seasoning if needed. Sprinkle with the remaining toasted nuts before serving.

This salad makes a delicious and healthy lunch or side dish, and you can easily customize it by adding grilled chicken or your choice of protein. Enjoy!

SnapDragon apples with blue cheese in a kale salad

SnapDragon apples are a relatively new apple variety developed by Cornell University's apple breeding program. They are known for their sweet, crisp, and juicy flesh, with vanilla, melon, and spice-filled undertones. When it comes to cheese pairings, SnapDragon apples are quite versatile and can be paired with a variety of cheeses.

Now, let's talk about creating a delicious kale salad with SnapDragon apples and blue cheese. Here are some tips and ideas to make it a success:

Ingredients

• SnapDragon apples: Crisp, juicy, and sweet, SnapDragon apples will add a refreshing crunch to your kale salad. Their subtle tartness and vanilla notes will also complement the other ingredients nicely.
• Blue cheese: This strong and tangy cheese will provide a nice contrast to the sweetness of the apples. Look for a good quality blue cheese, such as Gorgonzola or Roquefort.
• Kale: Curly kale or Tuscan kale (also known as cavolo nero) are great options for this salad. They have a sturdy texture that will hold up well when mixed with the apples and cheese.
• Other vegetables: Feel free to add some extra vegetables to the mix, such as thinly sliced red onions, chopped walnuts or pecans, dried cranberries or cherries, and roasted butternut squash cubes.
• Dressing: A simple vinaigrette made with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper will bring all the flavours together. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavours.

Preparation

• Wash and dry the kale, then remove the tough stems and chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces.
• Thinly slice or chop the SnapDragon apples into wedges or cubes, removing the core.
• Crumble or chop the blue cheese into small pieces.
• In a large bowl, combine the kale, apples, and other vegetables of your choice.
• Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss well to coat all the ingredients.
• Sprinkle the blue cheese on top of the salad just before serving to avoid it becoming soggy.
• For an extra touch of flavour and texture, you can also toast some walnut or pecan pieces and sprinkle them on top of the salad.

Serving Suggestions

• This salad can be served as a side dish or a light lunch. It goes well with grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or a grain like quinoa or farro.
• If you want to make it a heartier meal, add some protein like grilled shrimp, salmon, or sliced steak.
• To make it a vegetarian option, top the salad with crispy fried halloumi cheese or baked tofu cubes.
• For a festive touch, you can also add some pomegranate arils on top for a pop of colour and extra sweetness.

Remember, you can adjust the ingredients and quantities to your taste and get creative with your additions. Enjoy your SnapDragon apple and blue cheese kale salad!

Frequently asked questions