Brandied Apple and Farmer’s Cheese Pierogi Filling

Yield: 25-30 pierogis

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

• 3 medium apples (a mix of sweet and hard apples is best), diced small
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed
• 1 cup apple cider
• 1/2 cup apple brandy
• 1 cup farmer’s cheese

Recipe:

1. In a medium bowl, combine diced apples, granulated sugar, lemon juice, vanilla extract, cinnamon, ginger and salt. Stir to thoroughly combine the apples with the other ingredients.
2. Transfer the apple mixture to a sauté pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the butter. When the foam from the butter subsides, add the apple cider and cook until syrupy. Add the brandy and reduce more, ensuring that the mixture remains syrupy.
3. Transfer the hot mixture to a sheet pan and let cool at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Once apples have cooled, transfer to a medium bowl and fold in the cheese.