Amish Apple Scrapple: A Sweet Twist on a Traditional Delicacy

Amish Apple Scrapple: A Sweet Twist on a Traditional Delicacy

Introduction: Amidst the rolling hills and verdant pastures of Amish country, a beloved culinary tradition awaits those with an adventurous palate: Amish Apple Scrapple. While scrapple itself is a time-honored staple in Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine, this variation introduces a delightful twist by incorporating the sweetness of apples into the savory mix. In this article, we’ll delve into the origins of scrapple, explore the unique qualities of Amish Apple Scrapple, and provide a step-by-step recipe for you to recreate this delicious dish in your own kitchen.

The Origins of Scrapple: Scrapple traces its roots back to the early settlers of Pennsylvania, who wasted nothing when it came to food. Originally crafted as a means of utilizing every part of the pig, scrapple is a hearty mixture of pork scraps, cornmeal, and spices. Cooked until thickened, then poured into molds and chilled, scrapple is sliced and pan-fried until golden and crispy, creating a savory breakfast treat with a crunchy exterior and a tender, flavorful interior.

Amish Apple Scrapple: A Sweet Twist: In the tranquil countryside of Amish communities, innovation meets tradition in the form of Amish Apple Scrapple. Building upon the classic scrapple recipe, this variation introduces the natural sweetness of apples, adding a delightful contrast to the savory flavors of pork and spices. The result is a dish that marries the comforting familiarity of scrapple with the irresistible allure of autumn apples, creating a symphony of flavors that is both comforting and invigorating.

Recipe for Amish Apple Scrapple: Now, let’s dive into the kitchen and create our own batch of Amish Apple Scrapple. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

1. 1 pound pork shoulder, trimmed of excess fat
2. 1/2 pound pork liver
3. 2 cups unsweetened applesauce
4. 3 cups cornmeal
5. 1 cup all-purpose flour
6. 1 teaspoon salt
7. 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
8. 1/2 teaspoon ground sage
9. 1/2 teaspoon thyme
10. 6 cups water

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, combine pork shoulder, pork liver, and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour, or until meat is tender.
2. Remove meat from pot and let cool slightly. Reserve cooking liquid.
3. In a food processor, grind cooked pork shoulder and liver until finely chopped.
4. Return chopped meat to the pot with reserved cooking liquid. Bring to a simmer.
5. Gradually whisk in cornmeal and flour until mixture thickens.
6. Stir in unsweetened applesauce, salt, pepper, sage, and thyme, mixing well to combine.
7. Pour mixture into greased loaf pans and refrigerate overnight to set.
8. Slice scrapple into 1/2-inch thick slices and fry in a skillet until golden brown and crispy on both sides.
9. Serve hot with a drizzle of maple syrup or a dollop of applesauce for a deliciously sweet and savory breakfast experience.

Conclusion: Amish Apple Scrapple is more than just a breakfast dish; it’s a celebration of tradition, innovation, and the bountiful harvests of autumn. By infusing the classic scrapple recipe with the natural sweetness of apples, Amish cooks have created a culinary masterpiece that delights the senses and warms the soul. Whether enjoyed on a crisp autumn morning or shared with loved ones around the breakfast table, Amish Apple Scrapple is sure to become a cherished favorite in any kitchen.