Different people, different taste. A good chef always has
that true on his mind. A few days ago, my friend Mila from
Croatia, asked other fellows how they say what sound a
rooster makes?
Some of them said “Kikiki”, others said “ Kurikuri”, a lot
of options were on the table. This is a simple way to
describe the differences we see on a regular bases regarding
the. Different perspectives give us a broader view and more
importantly open mind and heart. I always have those
differences on my mind, even I cook for friends.
Those difference I have always on my mind, even when I cook
for friends.
Historically Balkans, a region where Bosnia existing, have
hosted Greeks, Romans, Illyrians, Ottomans,
Austro-Hungarians, and many more civilizations. These
historic circumstances allowed Balkan food to develop into a
colorful, hearty, cuisine that has adopted all the best
flavors, and developed them into something unique yet
familiar.
If Bosnians are serious in anything, it would be about
making fabulous desserts. Why, you may ask, I have to be
honest and tell you there are as many answers as Bosnian
people, which is more than 3 million. The Balkans region is
often called the door of Europe, it is possible the ancient
wanted to expect new invaders and welcome them with good
spirits, strong black coffee and delicious dessert.
Maybe because of the Ottoman imperial rule over 5 centuries
they built a strong heritage of tasty sweets, but because
they had to use affordable ingredients, sweets were based
around apple and nuts. In our blood history, something sweet
should stay after all the bad. My favorite one is tufahija.
As I mentioned we love to drink coffee, especially Turkey
one, and you can never drink coffee without something sweet
on the side. Balance is key word and we know that rule in
enjoying food. Some other aspects of our life could have a
different style, as a health care, sustainable development
and economic progress. Those issues are not balanced at
all.
Let’s turn back to the topic- a sweet one! Once upon a time
in ancient Persia, the homeland of this dessert, apple with
grounded walnuts was king’s food. Tufahija is a Bosnian
dessert, poached apples stuffed with walnuts and served with
the poaching syrup and whipped cream. If you are not good in
cooking don’t worry, tufahija could be prepared in less than
20 minutes. And that is my secret.
Wash apples well, then peel them. Cut out the core as if you’re making small cups out of each apple. Make sure to take out all seeds, and try not to drill through to the other side. Set peel from one apple aside. In a larger pot, I pour water, sugar, vanilla extract, lemon juice and apple peel. Bring to boil on high. Stir often, and lower to medium and add apples. Boil apples 5 to 7 minutes on both sides. Remove from heat. Meanwhile, start to prepare the filling. Cover walnuts with hot milk, and leave them aside for 15 minutes until they incorporate together. Do not give your friends to eat the filling before it is done. Melt butter over medium, add sugar, and stir well. Add the walnuts and stir until completely incorporated. Fill each apple with about 2-3 teaspoons of the filling. Pour syrup over them and leave in the fridge until ready to serve. Decorate with walnuts and whipped cream before serving. Sometimes, when you are preparing at night, like I did, good idea is to skip a cup of coffee. It is real bomb for your stomach and nobody wants to be awake all night. Instead of coffee great partner with the cake on your plate could be a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
You’ll often hear in Bosnia people said that every day they
need to be “eating something with a spoon,” so why not
spread that routine on dessert as well.