Honey Roasted Apples

As a chef clients will often ask me to recommend menus when I am working with them for dinner parties. Usually steak or seafood is requested but I would sometimes get a client who wanted pork for their main entree. My ears would perk up as this side is one of my favorite to make.

I would quickly tell them about my double cut salt and herb crusted bone in pork chop with Crispy Brussels Sprouts and Sweet Potatoes. If they liked where I was going, I would tell them about these Honey Roasted Apples. An adaptation of a Michael Chiarello recipe, these are crispy while soft, sweet while salty and they are an absolute amazing side to a pork dish [I’ve also made them with chicken and with stuffed pastas].

They are deceivingly easy and taste like you know some kind of kitchen wizardry that elevates honey and apples to a whole other level. The secret? Some butter, a good hot cast iron skillet and the play between kosher salt and honey. Make this side dish, you won’t be sorry.

Pre-heat oven to 425.
Remove the core and cut into 1 inch chunks, toss with lemon juice.
Heat a cast iron skillet on medium high heat with the butter in it.

When the butter begins to brown add the apples and kosher salt.
Sautee for 5 to 7 minutes until the edges start turning a rich brown color.

Add the honey and put in oven for about 8-10 minutes.
The apples should be tender but not mushy and richly caramelized.

Carefully serve with spatula, taking care not to smash them.