Layered Taffy Apple Salad

This salad is a more natural alternative to fruit salads made with “non-dairy whipped topping.” Really… if whipped cream doesn’t contain cream, what the heck is it made from? The chemist in me could go on and on about this, but instead I’ll just ask nicely… please put the frozen tub of fake whipped cream back where you found it, and try this instead.  🙂

Ingredients (Makes 6 servings)

3 apples, chopped (not peeled) in bite size pieces

15 ounce can of crushed pineapple

1/4 cup brown sugar

1 teaspoon cornstarch

1 cup of whipping cream

1/4 cup confectioner’s sugar

1/4 cup dry roasted peanuts, crushed

Directions

Step 1) Drain the can of pineapple and save the juice!

Step 2) Combine pineapple juice from Step 1, brown sugar, and cornstarch in a small saucepan. Whisk well to incorporate cornstarch. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly, and allow to boil for about 1 minute or until juice thickens. Remove from heat and allow to cool completely.

Step 3) Combine chopped apples, pineapple, and cooled sauce from Step 2. Stir until well combined.

Step 4) In a scrupulously clean, medium size bowl, beat whipping cream and confectioner’s sugar with an electric mixer at high speed until thickened (this takes approximately 2 minutes).

Step 5) In each serving bowl, layer 1/4 cup of apple mixture, 1 tablespoon whipped cream, and a few crushed peanuts. Repeat with a second layer of apple mixture, whipped cream, and crushed peanuts. Serve immediately.