The phrase identifies a method of cooking apples in liquid, typically a sweetened mixture of water, wine, or juice, often with spices added for flavor enhancement. This cooking technique results in a tender, flavorful fruit suitable for desserts or side dishes. As an example, peeled and cored apples simmered in a solution of white wine, sugar, cinnamon sticks, and cloves exemplify this culinary practice.
This preparation technique offers several advantages, including preserving the fruit’s texture while infusing it with aromatic flavors. Moreover, it presents a relatively healthy method of fruit preparation, often requiring less added fat compared to baking or frying. Historically, this method has served as a means of preserving fruit and transforming readily available seasonal produce into a more palatable form, finding application across numerous cultures and cuisines.