Winter Finnish Apple Cinnamon Grilled Slices with Walnuts

Introduction

There is something undeniably magical about winter grilling that transforms a simple meal into a memorable experience. When the air is crisp and the snow begins to settle, firing up the Arteflame grill offers a cozy warmth that draws everyone closer. This recipe for Winter Finnish Apple Cinnamon Grilled Slices is the epitome of Scandinavian comfort food, embracing the concept of "hygge" through simple, high-quality ingredients and the rustic charm of open-fire cooking. Unlike traditional baked desserts, grilling the apples on the flat cooktop allows the natural sugars to caramelize rapidly, creating a smoky, golden crust that seals in the juices.

This dish is incredibly versatile, serving perfectly as a lighter dessert or a decadent side dish for roasted pork or game meats. The combination of tart apples, warming cinnamon, and the earthy crunch of walnuts creates a symphony of textures and flavors. Whether you are hosting a holiday gathering or simply enjoying a quiet evening by the fire, these grilled apple slices capture the essence of the season in every bite, proving that your grill is just as valuable in January as it is in July.

Ingredients

Main Components

• 4 large tart apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best for grilling)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar (or maple syrup for a more rustic flavor)
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup walnuts, roughly chopped
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Optional: A pinch of ground cardamom for an authentic Finnish touch

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Apples

1. Wash and dry the apples thoroughly. Do not peel them, as the skin helps hold the slices together on the grill.
2. Core the apples and slice them horizontally into thick rings, approximately 1/2 inch thick. If the slices are too thin, they may become mushy; too thick, and they won't caramelize through.
3. In a small bowl, mix the melted butter and vanilla extract. In a separate small bowl, combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, and optional cardamom.

Step 2: Season and Coat

1. Brush both sides of each apple ring generously with the butter mixture.
2. Sprinkle the sugar and spice blend evenly over both sides of the apple slices, pressing it gently so it adheres to the butter.
3. Let the apples sit for about 5 minutes so the sugar begins to hydrate and dissolve slightly into the fruit.

Step 3: Grill the Apples

1. Fire up your Arteflame grill. Aim for a medium heat zone on the flat cooktop (plancha). You want a sizzle, but not an immediate char.
2. Place the apple slices directly onto the flat steel surface.
3. Grill for 3 to 5 minutes on the first side. You are looking for distinct grill marks (if moved to the grate) or a deep golden-brown caramelization on the flat top.
4. Flip gently using tongs or a spatula. Grill the second side for another 3 to 4 minutes until the apples are tender but still retain some structural integrity.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

1. Remove the apples from the grill and arrange them on a serving platter.
2. While the apples are still hot, sprinkle the chopped walnuts over the top so the heat releases the nut oils.
3. Serve immediately while warm and gooey.

Tips

To achieve the perfect texture for your Finnish Apple Slices, selecting the right apple variety is paramount. Avoid softer apples like Red Delicious or Macintosh, as they tend to disintegrate under the high heat of the Arteflame. Instead, opt for firm, crisp varieties like Granny Smith, Fuji, or Pink Lady, which can withstand the caramelization process while maintaining a pleasant bite. When grilling on the Arteflame, utilize the different heat zones of the cooktop effectively. Start the apples closer to the center to get a quick sear and caramelize the sugars, then move them toward the cooler outer edge to finish softening without burning.

Additionally, be mindful of the sugar content. Sugar burns quickly, so keep a close eye on your slices once they hit the steel. If you notice the cinnamon-sugar mixture darkening too fast, slide the apples to a cooler zone immediately. For an extra layer of flavor, you can toast the walnuts lightly on a dry section of the grill for a minute before sprinkling them over the finished dish.

Variations

While the classic cinnamon and walnut combination is a staple of Finnish winter cuisine, this recipe is highly adaptable to suit different palates or dietary needs. You can easily pivot from a sweet dessert to a savory accompaniment by altering the spices and toppings. Experimenting with different fats and sweeteners can also change the flavor profile completely, moving from rich and buttery to light and floral. Here are a few creative ways to modify the recipe for your next outdoor gathering:

• The Boozy Twist: Brush the grilled apples with a splash of dark rum or bourbon just before taking them off the grill for a warming kick.
• Savory Side: Omit the sugar and replace cinnamon with fresh thyme and rosemary; top with crumbled goat cheese or blue cheese.
• Nut-Free Crunch: Replace the walnuts with pumpkin seeds (pepitas) or toasted oats for a nut-free version that still offers texture.
• Vegan Delight: Substitute the butter with coconut oil and use maple syrup instead of brown sugar.
• Berry Burst: Serve topped with a spoonful of warm lingonberry jam, a traditional Scandinavian favorite.

Best pairings

These Finnish Apple Cinnamon Grilled Slices are delightful on their own, but pairing them with the right beverage or side can elevate the dish to a gourmet experience. The warm spices and caramelized sugars naturally call for creamy or bold contrasts. If you are serving this as a dessert, the interplay between hot fruit and cold cream is a timeless classic that never fails to impress. However, don't limit yourself to just sweets; the versatility of apples allows for beverage pairings that range from morning coffee to evening cocktails.

• Classic Dessert: Serve warm with a scoop of high-quality vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of mascarpone cheese.
• Beverage: Pair with a steaming mug of Glögi (Finnish mulled wine) or a dark roast coffee to cut through the sweetness.
• Breakfast: serve alongside Greek yogurt and granola for a smoky, winter-themed breakfast.
• Savory Dinner: Plated alongside grilled pork chops or smoked duck breast as a palate-cleansing side.

Conclusion

Mastering the art of winter grilling opens up a new world of culinary possibilities, and these Finnish Apple Cinnamon Grilled Slices are the perfect starting point. The process is simple, yet the result is sophisticated, combining the smoky essence of the Arteflame grill with the comforting, nostalgic flavors of baked apples. It is a dish that invites you to slow down, stand by the fire, and enjoy the crisp outdoor air with friends and family.

Whether you choose to serve them as a sweet finale to a dinner party or a cozy treat on a snowy afternoon, these apple slices are sure to become a seasonal tradition. The caramelization achieved on the flat cooktop provides a texture that an oven simply cannot replicate. So, bundle up, light the fire, and enjoy the unique, smoky sweetness that only outdoor cooking can provide.