Little Cooks

An apple celebration

You might have heard the saying: “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” It might not be completely true, but apples are definitely good for you, and if you eat them regularly they can help to keep you healthy. Apples are very nutritious and a great source of fibre and Vitamin C. They can be eaten raw, made into juice or cider and can even be used in cakes and bread. On Sunday 10 October, you can join food teacher Simon Gray in his cookery workshops at Wells Food Festival in Somerset and make some delicious Apple Scone Bread Twist (recipe opposite). This tasty treat uses just a handful of ingredients.

FABULOUS FLOUR

Flour is normally made from grinding up wheat into a powder in a flour mill. There are different types of flour you can use and it is the building block and structure for lots of dishes including bread, pasta, cakes and scones. We use plain flour in the recipe. Flour provides our diet with fibre.

EGGCELENT EGGS

Eggs can be boiled, fried, poached, scrambled, pickled or made into an omelette. They are often used in cooking with other ingredients and are the edible glue that sticks everything together to make a tasty treat. Eggs are packed full of protein which help make you big and strong!

MARVELLOUS MILK

Dairy cows produce lots of milk. It is used to bind ingredients in cakes and desserts and it also adds flavour to the finished dish. Milk contains loads of calcium which make our bones and teeth nice and strong. The protein in milk helps us to grow and repair injuries.

BRILLIANT BUTTER

Butter is made from cow’s milk. It is usually made from the cream which is separated from the milk and then churned to get it to thicken. Butter adds colour, texture and a creamy taste in cakes and pastries.

APPLE SCONE BREAD TWIST

MAKES 1

200g strong plain flour 40g butter 1tsp baking powder 1tsp mixed spice 1 egg 75ml milk 100g apple purée (see recipe below) 2 tbsp sultanas 1 Preheat oven to 200°C /Gas Mark 6 and lightly grease a baking tray. 2 Sieve flour, add 1 tsp baking powder and 1 tsp mixed spices. 3 Cut butter into the flour using a rounded knife. 4 Rub butter into flour using fingertips. 5 Add 1 egg. 6 Gently add 75ml (5 tbsp) milk. 7 Work into a soft dough (don’t overwork or the dough will become tough). 8 Lightly flour worksurface and roll out the dough to a rectangle. 9 Spread with 100g apple purée (recipe below) and sprinkle with 2 tablespoons of sultanas. 10 Roll the dough up like a swiss roll. 11 Slice down the middle and twist it. 12 Bake for 20 minutes until golden brown and it sounds hollow when tapped underneath. Recipe by Simon Gray, Fun Kitchen

APPLE PURÉE

4 medium sized apples, preferably two different varieties (Granny Smith & Golden Delicious) 1 Wash the apples then peel, core and slice them. 2 Place the apple slices in a large pan and then put in enough water to cover them. 3 Bring apples to the boil, then gently simmer for 15-20 minutes or until soft. 4 Drain the apples, then mash the apples into a thick puree with a fork. 5 Place in the fridge to cool before using. COME ALONG

and join in Simon’s free cookery workshops at this year’s Wells Food Festival on Sunday 10 October. Find out more at www.wellsfoodfestival.co.uk