We're Sending You to Antarctica This Week: Antarctic Explorer's Apple Slice

Greetings, fellow food fanatics! Kolbeigh van Keuken here, back with a recipe that’s… well, a little unexpected. We're venturing to the icy plains of Antarctica this week, and the question that’s been burning in my mind is: can we find the *best* slice at the South Pole? It’s a challenge worthy of a Freak Chef, wouldn’t you agree? I’ve spent hours researching, consulting with (surprisingly knowledgeable) polar explorers, and analyzing historical rations. Turns out, the answer is a resounding *yes*! There's a surprisingly rich culinary history associated with the Antarctic expeditions, and a certain type of pie – a hearty, comforting slice – has been a staple for over a century.

We're Sending You to Antarctica This Week: Antarctic Explorer's Apple Slice

This recipe is inspired by the pies that sustained explorers during the early Antarctic expeditions. It’s a robust, spiced apple slice, designed to warm the soul and provide much-needed energy in a harsh environment. It’s a testament to the ingenuity of those early cooks, who had to make the most of limited ingredients. And, of course, it's bursting with paprika – because everything is better with paprika!

Now, sourcing ingredients in Antarctica is… tricky. So, I've included plenty of substitution suggestions to make this recipe accessible to everyone, regardless of your geographical location. Don't worry, the flavor will still be incredible!

Ingredients

• 6 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well), peeled, cored, and sliced
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (See substitution below)
• 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed (See substitution below)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (See substitution below)
• 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1/4 cup water

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch pie dish.
2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, butter, and brown sugar. Use a pastry blender or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. In a separate bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, salt, and paprika.
4. Pour the apple mixture into the prepared pie dish.
5. Top with the crumbly topping.
6. Pour the water around the edges of the pie dish.
7. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the apples are tender. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, tent it with foil.
8. Let cool completely before slicing and serving. This is best enjoyed warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!

Substitution Notes:

• Flour: You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend or even a mix of almond flour and tapioca starch for a slightly different texture.
• Butter: Use shortening or coconut oil for a vegan option. The flavor will be subtly different, but still delicious.
• Sugar: Maple syrup or honey can be used in place of granulated or brown sugar. Adjust the amount to your desired sweetness.

So there you have it – a taste of Antarctic history, brought to you by The Freak Chef! I hope you give this recipe a try and let me know what you think. Until next time, keep cooking and keep exploring! And remember… paprika is your friend!