“I know the look of an apple that is roasting and sizzling on the hearth on a winter’s evening, and I know the comfort that comes of eating it hot.”
~ Mark Twain
Cooking Cracker Barrel at Home
It’s no longer winter, but why limit comfort food to one season? I’m currently out of town visiting family, which always makes me think of Cracker Barrel. Why? Prior to developing rheumatoid arthritis, I stopped there at least once on every road trip. My favorite meal was pot roast with gravy, a double order of hash brown casserole, and fried apples. Sigh…to remember the convenience of restaurant meals where I could order anything on the menu. Travel is very different for me today, and Cracker Barrel is no longer an option. Between their homemade biscuits and breaded everything, I think there’s gluten in the very air you breathe.
That’s OK. I’ve adjusted to this lifestyle, and as someone who likes to cook, I’ve become adept at re-creating autoimmune-friendly versions of classic American recipes. The pot roast I eat now puts Cracker Barrel’s to shame. And while the hashbrown casserole is out of the question for me (filled with nightshades, dairy and gluten), fried apples are very easy to make at home. I don’t need to be on the road to enjoy this special treat. It’s quick comfort food, available year-round.
Southern Fried Apples (Paleo, AIP, GAPS)
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs. apples
- 2 Tbsp. favorite cooking fat (duck fat, lard, or coconut oil all work well)
- 2 Tbsp. raw honey
- 1/8 tsp. sea salt
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 1 tsp. cinnamon
- 1/8 tsp. nutmeg (optional – omit for AIP)
Instructions
- Slice the apples into thick chunks or wedges.
- Melt fat in large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the apples, honey, salt and lemon juice. Toss to blend, and then cook covered for 15 minutes.
- Remove apples from heat. Sprinkle with cinnamon (and nutmeg if using). Toss to blend, and enjoy!
Notes
- These apples have a sweet-tart flavor which I prefer. But if you want the true Cracker Barrel sweet apple experience, add another tablespoon of honey.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Treats
- Method: Stovetop
Keywords: paleo, aip, gaps, southern fried apples
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