British Apples and Pears Challenge: English Cheddar and Cameo Apple Melt Recipe
British Apples and Pears Challenge:
English Cheddar and Cameo Apple Melt Recipe
British Apples and Pears Challenge: English Cheddar and Cameo Apple Melt Recipe
As regular readers will know, I am a keen promoter of all things British and especially when it comes to fruit and vegetables; we have the perfect climate to grow some amazing varieties of fruit, and especially orchard fruits such as apples and pears. Some of the best apples in the world are grown in the South East English county of Kent, and I am so pleased to see apple (and pear) production becoming more popular in that county, as it used to be many years ago. Other counties famous for their orchard fruit production are Somerset, Worcester and Wiltshire, although apples (and pears) grow in many other areas of England (and Great Britain) of course. We are a nation of amazing heritage apple varieties, with apples that we seldom see any more, such as Adams’s Pearmain, Aldenham Blenheim, Bascombe Mystery, Bedminster Pippin, Cheddar Cross, Dillington Beauty, Laxton’s Superb, Old Rock Pippin and Peggy’s Pride. And, it’s my fervent wish that we all try to preserve our orchard fruits, and the easiest way to do that is to BUY BRITISH of course.
English Apples and Pears Orchard Box
So, when I was approached by Sainsbury’s to create some recipes using seasonal English apples and pears, I was pleased to participate in what they have called the Apple and Pear Challenge. I was sent an “orchard selection” box of English apples and pears that comprised:
Rubens: Apple – Red in colour and with a crisp, refreshing and sparkling flavour with a sweet hint of melon
Jazz: Apple – A multi-coloured apple with flashes of red, green and yellow – it has a sweet and aromatic flavour with a taste of pear
Kanzi: Apple – Bright scarlet in colour with a pale green background, this apple is crunchy and juicy with a complex sweet taste.
Cameo: Apple – This beautiful new apple variety is dark red with orange flashes and is extremely sweet and juicy with a crunchy blend of honey and citrus flavours.
Sweet Sensation: Pear – Vibrant red blush over a green-yellow background; this pear is very sweet and melts in the mouth when ripe.
Concorde: Pear – A cross between the Conference and Comice pear, this pear is green with a russet fleck and has a rich, sweet and nutty flavour.
Apples and Pears Box
Although the Orchard Assortment box contained new varieties of apples and pears, and they weren’t the lovely and interestingly named apples of previous years, I am very pleased to say that all of the fruit was grown in England. And, the smell was intoxicating when I opened the box…..it was as if I was wandering amongst an old English orchard, with the pungent, sweet smell of home-grown fruits…..they looked so pretty nestled amongst their straw bed too.
English Apple and Cheddar Melt
My first recipe is a simple one based on two of my favourite recipes, a classic Welsh Rarebit and an American Tuna Melt – it’s an apple and cheese melt made with extra mature farmhouse Cheddar cheese, a Cameo apple, a spring onion and mayonnaise. The apple and cheese melt mixture is spread over a sesame seed bun and is toasted, although the filling also makes a wonderful sandwich filling too.
British Apples and Pears Challenge: English Cheddar and Cameo Apple Melt Recipe
The recipe for this English Cheddar and Cameo Apple Melt is shared below, and do watch out for my next recipe using some pears. That’s all for now, see you soon and have a wonderfully relaxing Sunday…….Karen
British Apples and Pears Challenge: English Cheddar and Cameo Apple Melt Recipe
English Apple and Cheddar Cheese Melt
Print recipe
| Serves | 2 |
| Prep time | 5 minutes |
| Cook time | 5 minutes |
| Total time | 10 minutes |
| Dietary | Vegetarian |
| Meal type | Breakfast, Lunch, Side Dish, Snack, Starter |
| Misc | Child Friendly, Pre-preparable, Serve Cold, Serve Hot |
| Occasion | Christmas, Easter |
| Region | British |
| By author | Karen S Burns-Booth |
Ingredients
- 2 soft bread buns (I used some sesame seed baps)
- 50g extra mature Cheddar cheese, grated
- 1 apple, quartered and cored, (1/2 apple grated; set aside two quarters for the garnish. I used a Cameo apple)
- 1 spring onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- black pepper
Note
A tasty Cheddar cheese and apple melt recipe using one of England's newest and delicious apple varieties, the Cameo apple. Cameo® has become popular with foodies who are looking for new, distinctive tastes and want to buy British apples for as much of the year as possible.
Directions
| Step 1 | Mix all of the melt ingredients together, except the bread buns and two quarters of apple reserved for the garnish. |
| Step 2 | TIP: Grate the apple quarters SKIN on and you will be left with the skin, so no need for peeling! |
| Step 3 | Cut the bread buns in half. Spread the melt mixture over the bread bun halves and place under a hot grill. |
| Step 4 | Grill for 5 to 6 minutes, or until the mixture is hot and bubbling. |
| Step 5 | Serve immediately with the remaining (sliced) apple, chutney and some salad for a light lunch or supper. |
| Step 6 | The filling is also wonderful served cold as a sandwich filling. |
When tasting Cameo® for the first time, look out for:
a hint of grapefruit
a blended honey and citrus taste
a sweet flavour
exceptionally crunchy texture
high levels of juice
Its unique flavour profile makes Cameo® the perfect partner for both sweet and savoury foods – a great addition to the breakfast table, served with cheeses at the end of a meal, or as a healthy snack at any time of day.
Cameo Apples
British Apples and Pears Challenge: English Cheddar and Cameo Apple Melt Recipe
Disclaimer: I was sent an assortment of English apples and pears from Sainsbury’s, as well as a supermarket voucher in order to create my recipes.
British Apples and Pears Challenge: English Cheddar and Cameo Apple Melt Recipe
Sylvia says
This is something new! Unusual combination of flavours 🙂 Looks delicious, have to try it one day for breakfast as I’m running out of ideas 🙂
Karen says
Thanks! Apple and cheese are classic flavour combinations in the UK and I love them with bread and onions too!
Joy Morris says
Yes apple and cheese, its a delightful combination and those look great Karen, I am going to try them this week – thanks
Karen says
Thanks Joy! We all LOVED these and they are so easy to rustle up too! Karen xxx
Janice Pattie (@FarmersgirlCook) says
Cheese and apple is the perfect combination and this is a lovely simple recipe for a tasty lunch or supper. I have ‘fruit envy’!
Karen says
Oh no, not the dreaded fruit envy Janice!!! Lol! Karen
Kathryn says
What a lovely idea! I like how the freshness of the apple cuts through the richness of the cheese; what a nice little supper dish!
Karen says
Thanks Kathryn, we had this for brunch today, but it would make a perfect supper dish too!
Kate says
Sounds delicious Karen. As one who lives in Kent, I can confirm we do have the most amazing selection of orchards, and it breaks my heart when I see the fruit left to rot on the ground in Autumn because ‘cheap’ imports have been bought up instead. I agree….. Support our British fruit growers!
Karen says
I agree totally Kate! I also get so angry when I see British supermarkets selling cheaper imports with “food miles” when there are local orchards within spitting distance of them!
Fiona Maclean says
I remember we used to store our own apples each autumn up in the loft and eat through them slowly. British apples DO taste so lovely!
Karen says
Yes, I remember that too Fiona, we used to wrap them in newspaper, and they would last all winter into spring.
Vanesther - Bangers & Mash says
As a Somerset ‘lass’, cheese and apple is favourite combination for me and your melt looks gorgeous. Thanks for flying the flag for English apples, Karen!
Karen says
Thanks Vanesther, yes, apples and cheese is a marriage made in heaven!
Jacqueline Meldrum says
Oh Karen, you have hit the spot!! I want this right now. Oh my I think I may just dream about this tonight, that is if I resist making it before bed.
Karen says
Hahaha! Sweet cheesy and apple dreams then Jac!! Thanks, Karen xx
Deena Kakaya says
Such a lovely idea Karen, they’d make a perfect light meal or snack for all the family. I’m going to try this one because my two year old is really difficult with fruit but loves cheese and bread…will try not to eat his food 😉 x
Karen says
Thanks so much Deena! I am sure your little one will love these melts……the filling can be used for sarnies too! Karen
Johanna GGG says
a beautiful british recipe to showcase your apples – I am a great fan of apple and cheddar – this looks delicious – makes me eager for autumn and apple season to roll round!
Karen says
Thanks so much Johanna! This is also a GREAT veggie recipe too! Karen
Tracy Nixon says
Sounds a great combination Karen! Will pass this on to mum mum because she is always cooking with apples!
Karen says
Thanks Tracy! Hope she likes the recipe!
Louisa Foti says
What a scrumptious treat. I’m a big tuna melt fan, but loving your apple version, genius in my book!. And something I shall DEFINITELY be making. Herefordshire’s an enormous apple county too, can’t look anywhere for apples in the Autumn round here, I’ve honestly never seen so many in my life before! Wonderful.
Karen says
Thanks so much Louisa, me too, I LOVE tuna melts too! I know Hereford is a apple county, I should add that too, as I used to live in Hereford for 3 years and often visited the Bulmer’s Cider Factory! Ooops! Karen
Alex says
Hi Karen, Your blog looks so interesting and covered a lot of yummy treats. I can use them since I love cooking and baking. The combination in this recipe is quite awesome and I’m amazed how apple and cheese can be combined.
Karen says
Thanks so much for your lovely comments! Karen
Dominic says
such yummy comfort food… I love the idea of the apples with a really strong cheddar. Such a simple idea but so wonderfully complex with flavours. I will be making this tonight!… One of the things i miss about not working at Gunby Hall are the 50 odd variety of apples… so many and all tasting so different. Lovely post x
Karen says
Thanks Dom, it was SUCH a shame you had to leave Gunby Hall, I used to love seeing what you got up to there too…..K xxx
Janie says
Looks really tasty Karen, and I reckon Jonny would be beside himself if I made it for him 🙂
Janie x
Karen says
Thanks Janie, I was pretty pleased with this, simply but full on taste!
Bintu @ Recipes From A Pantry says
Lovely Recipe Karen and the cameo apples sound divine.
Karen says
Thanks Bintu, you MUST try these Cameo apples if you have a chance!
ManjiriK says
Superb combination and brilliant photos , I know what I am having for breakfast tomorrow.x
Karen says
Thanks so much Manjiri! 🙂 Karen xx
Tina @ The Spicy Pear says
This looks heavenly. Crispy toasted bread, gooey melted cheddar cheese and slight sweetness from the apples, what’s not to love. I shall have to keep an eye out for cameo apples when I am out and about. Great pictures too.
Karen says
Thanks Tina, it’s often the simple recipes that are the best eh? Karen
Choclette says
Those melts sound fabulous Karen, what a totally delicious idea. Glad to see Sainsbury’s are stocking a few British varieties, even if they aren’t the old loved ones.
Karen says
Thanks Choclette, it is an optimistic sign that British supermarkets are stocking British apples, after all we grow some of the best orchard fruits in the world.
Tracy Nixon says
This is seriously tasty – for anyone reading – make!
Robin Harvey says
This recipe looks delicious. I can almost taste it. Can’t wait to try it.
Karen says
Thanks Robin, I hope you enjoy it! Karen