ummmmmmmm Applets & Cotlets.... my hubby's favorite holiday candy

[NMDemDist2]

found this on the internet while looking for a picture of the box to post. Hubby loves them, but they are so expensive!

gonna try them this week, anybody have any experience making them?


APPLETS AND COTLETS COPYCAT

2 cups unsweetened applesauce (see directions)
4 envelopes unflavored gelatin
4 cups granulated white sugar
1 cup raw walnuts, finely ground in a food processor
1/2 teaspoon lemon extract
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 tablespoons confectioners' powdered sugar
1-1/2 tablespoons cornstarch

APPLETS APPLESAUCE: Use tart apples such as Granny Smith. Peel, core and quarter the apples. In a heavy sauce pan to allow cooking without sticking, combine the apples and very little water, just enough to prevent burning, and cook over low heat until the apples are mushy. The applesauce should be as thick as possible (drain off water as it cooks). Transfer the apples to a blender or a food processor and puree.

In a small bowl, soak the gelatin in 1/2 cup of the cooked applesauce.

Return the remaining applesauce to the saucepan, add the granulated sugar and bring the sauce to a boil. After it is boiling, add the applesauce-gelatin mixture and bring the sauce back to a slow boil for 15 minutes, stirring frequently, to prevent burning.

Add and stir in the walnuts, lemon and vanilla extracts. Pour the mixture into a buttered 9 x 12-inch non-stick baking pan. The mixture should be about 3/4-inch thick.

Let the mixture stand at room temperature at least 24 hours to set and to dry. When firmly set, cut into squares.

In a bowl combine the confectioners' sugar and cornstarch. Roll the candy pieces in the mixture to thoroughly coat the pieces on all sides. Store the candy in the refrigerator in a covered container between sheets of waxed paper with more confectioners' sugar and cornstarch between each layer to prevent them sticking together.

TO MAKE THE COTLETS: Use 1 cup of apricot jam and 1 cup applesauce. Reduce the granulated sugar to 3 cups. Or use 2 cups of canned unsweetened apricots, thoroughly drained. Puree and proceed as directed above.

[BlueHandDuo]

1. Does anyone know how to substitute...

...pectin for gelatine? I believe the original Aplets and Cotlets are made with pectin.

C'mon, expert vegan cooks. I know you're out there.

[NMDemDist2]

2. agar? or some kosher gelatins are also vegan

but i'm not sure how to adjust the recipe

one spot on the web says use twice as much pectin :shrug:

[DemExpat]

3. I just made this on a whim - looked so intriguing!

Cooling in the pan now - my husband said it looks like buckwheat porride...:eyes:

Hope it turns out good - I'll let you know.

Thanks for the recipe!

DemEx

:edit: I used organic apples, walnuts, and gelatin - especially gelatin I hope is better than regular gelatin....:-(

[NMDemDist2]

4. please let me know tomorrow as that is when I'm going to try it

and let me know what you think :)

[DemExpat]

5. That was fun to try - turned out tasting delicious.

I was just a little bit disappointed in the texture - expected a little more chewiness.

But very good apple flavor, I'll make these again.

Thanks!

:hi:

DemEx

[NMDemDist2]

6. about how many apples did it take? and could you be more specific

on what the texture was?

it shouldn't be "chewy" like gummybears more stiffly creamy and they may get chewier as the dry out?

[NMDemDist2]

7. they were a sucess, I didn't do the aplets, I went straight to cotlets

and hubby says they are great!

[DemExpat]

8. I gave some as gifts....

one woman at the Christmas party was from Washington state and said they were delicious and just like the "real thing".

:thumbsup:

:hi:
DemEx

[grasswire]

9. now........

...we need the recipe for See's Candy's apricot delights. Coconut and apricots rolled into balls with powdered sugar?

[NMDemDist2]

10. check here, they have lots of candy recipes

http://www.culinarybook.com/dessertssweets-recipes/candyrecipes-recipes.html