Apple ice wine gets its particular sweetness and deep golden color from frozen apples: The presence of water crystals during pressing increases the sugar content of the resulting wine. Canada produces more ice wine per year than any other country. Sophisticated-looking and intensely apple-flavored, this seasonal dessert is delicious on its own or as a complement to the maple walnut bûche de Noël.

　　Active time: 15 min Start to finish: 4 1/4 hr (includes chilling)

　　

Ingredients

Makes 8 servings

　　1 lemon

　　2 3/4 lb lady apples (24 to 28)

　　1 1/2 cups apple ice wine*, or 3/4 cup unfiltered apple cider stirred together with 3/4 cup dry white wine

　　3/4 cup sugar

　　

Step 1

Remove 2 (4- by 1-inch) strips of zest from lemon with a vegetable peeler, then halve lemon crosswise.

　　

Step 2

Peel top 1/2 inch of each apple, leaving stem and rest of skin intact. Rub cut side of a lemon half over peeled part of apples. Arrange apples, stem ends up, in 1 layer in a 12-inch heavy skillet. Add zest and ice wine to skillet, then sprinkle sugar over apples. Bring to a simmer over moderate heat, swirling skillet occasionally, then reduce heat to low and cover skillet. Poach until apples are tender but still hold their shape, 20 to 50 minutes. Check apples frequently after 20 minutes and transfer as cooked to a bowl.

　　

Step 3

Discard zest and spoon cooking liquid over apples. Chill, covered, until cold, at least 3 hours (liquid will gel slightly). Bring to room temperature just before serving.

　　

Step 4

*Available at Cidrerie Du Minot (450-247-3111; duminot.com), Clos St.-Denis (914-762-6540; iceapplewine.com), and La Face Cachée de la Pomme (450-247-2899; cidredeglace.com).

　　Cooks' note:

　　Apples can be chilled up to 3 days.