A classic southern side, slices of apples are fried in a mixture of bacon fat or butter and brown sugar then tossed in a dusting of traditional apple pie spices.

Southern Skillet Fried Apples

Skillet fried apples are simply fried in some kind of fat, most commonly butter or bacon fat, though many southerners prepare them in more of a stewed version. Either way is delicious. When I stew mine, I like to use apple cider, which is not a traditional southern preparation, but my own little twist to the classic to add more flavor. Using plain water is more traditional when stewing these apples, so feel free to substitute plain ole water.

I prefer to use the tart Granny Smith apples because they retain a bit of the firmness even when cooked, and I do also prefer to peel mine. For me, that peeling thing is a texture issue, but if you use a more tender skinned apple like Red or Yellow Delicious, or if you don't mind the peel, go right ahead and leave them on.

By the way, southern skillet fried apples are less a dessert, than they are a side dish really. They go great with just about any meat or main dish - just ask the folks at Cracker Barrel! Like sweet potatoes, the sweetness of the apples are a perfect compliment to many main dishes, making them suitable as a great side dish for chicken or pork, served along a mess o' greens and even with fried green tomatoes. Of course, they're also great all by themselves, as a simple snack with yogurt, or as a partner to ice cream. Perfect for breakfast with French toast, pancakes, biscuits or even spooned over oatmeal too - which is exactly how I ate them this morning.

Here's how to make them.

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Recipe: Southern Skillet Fried Apples

©From the Kitchen of Deep South Dish

Prep time: 10 min |Cook time: 15 min |

Yield: About 4 to 6 servings

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Ingredients

• 3 large Granny Smith apples, cored, peeled and cut into wedges
• 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter or bacon drippings, or a combination
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar, well packed
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon allspice
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

Instructions

In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter or bacon drippings with the brown sugar. Add the apples and cook over medium until apples begin to release juices. Reduce to medium low and simmer for about 15 minutes or until apples are tender. Sprinkle spices on top and toss until well blended.

Cook's Notes: I prefer to use the tart Granny Smith apples because they retain a bit of the firmness even when cooked, and I do also prefer to peel mine. For me, that peeling thing is a texture issue, but if you use a more tender skinned apple like Red or Yellow Delicious, or if you don't mind the peel, go right ahead and leave them on. Can also cut apples into chunks. Okay to substitute apple pie or pumpkin pie spice for the individual spices, so if you have those in your pantry by all means use them here.

Stewed Apple Variation: For stewing, apple cider is my own little twist to these skillet apples but is absolutely non-traditional. I just like the extra flavor from the cider but even I admit I don't always have apple cider in the house. You can certainly substitute plain water. Cook the butter and brown sugar until melted. Measure 2 cups of apple cider and make a slurry of 2 tablespoons of cornstarch or flour with a splash of the cider. Add the remaining apple cider and the slurry to the pan with the brown sugar. Bring to a boil. Boil for 5 minutes, add the apples, bring back to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 10 minutes longer, or until apples are tender. Add the spices and stir to blend in well.

Source: http://deepsouthdish.com

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©Deep South Dish

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