Indulge in the crispy, golden goodness of our delectable applets & cotlets and explore the convenience of our flavorful bulk rolls for your next gathering.
Imagine the scent of ripe apples hanging heavy in the air, the crunch of walnuts underfoot, and the sweet anticipation of a unique confection taking shape. That’s the essence of Aplets & Cotlets, a chewy, fruit-and-nut candy born from ingenuity and a surplus of apples in the heart of Washington State. These delightful treats, more than just a sugary indulgence, represent a piece of Washington’s history, a fusion of Turkish delight influences with the distinct flavors of the Pacific Northwest.
The Liberty Orchards Story: A Century of Sweetness
The story of Aplets & Cotlets is inextricably linked to Liberty Orchards, founded in 1918 in Cashmere, Washington, by Armenian immigrants. Faced with an abundance of apples, they drew inspiration from lokum (Turkish delight) and crafted something new: Aplets. Its apricot counterpart, the Cotlet, soon followed. These weren’t mere copies; they were distinctly American, showcasing the bounty of their adopted home. For over a century, Liberty Orchards, synonymous with these confections, delighted generations with their chewy, fruity creations. Although Liberty Orchards closed in June 2021 after 101 years, their legacy has inspired countless homemade versions.
A Near Miss: The State Candy That Wasn’t
In 2009, Aplets & Cotlets nearly became Washington’s official state candy. While the campaign ultimately fell short, likely due to the state’s diverse culinary landscape and regional rivalries amongst legislators, it underscored the candies’ cherished status as a regional icon. Perhaps this renewed interest will spark another campaign—who knows?
The Aplets & Cotlets Experience: A Sensory Delight
What makes these candies so special? It’s a symphony of textures and flavors. The firm, satisfying chew, thanks to pectin (unlike the starch-based Turkish delight), gives way to the bright, concentrated sweetness of apple or the rich tang of apricot. The crunch of walnuts adds another layer of enjoyment, creating a harmonious balance. This unique sensory experience is what has captivated taste buds for generations.
The Rise of Homemade: Recreating a Classic
The closure of Liberty Orchards in 2021, after an unsuccessful search for a buyer, saddened many. It sparked a wave of nostalgia and, more importantly, a surge in homemade Aplets & Cotlets recipes. This resurgence speaks to the enduring appeal of these treats and the desire to keep the tradition alive. Crafting these candies at home offers control over ingredients, the joy of creation, and a chance to personalize a classic.
Crafting Your Own: A Step-by-Step Guide
Ready to embark on your own Aplet & Cotlet adventure? Here are two recipes, one classic, one with a twist, to get you started:
Classic Aplets Recipe
Apple Preparation: Simmer 2 pounds of peeled, cored, and diced apples with 1 cup of sugar and ¼ cup of water until softened and thickened (about 20-30 minutes).
Nutty Incorporation: Fold in 1 cup of finely chopped walnuts. Dissolve 1 tablespoon of unflavored gelatin in cold water (as per package directions) and stir into the apple mixture.
Setting the Stage: Pour into a greased 8×8 inch pan lined with parchment paper and chill for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
Final Flourishes: Cut into squares and dust generously with powdered sugar.
Apricot-Cardamom Cotlets: A Flavorful Twist
Apricot Preparation: Soak 1 pound of dried apricots in warm water for 30 minutes. Simmer with 1 cup of sugar, ¼ cup of water, and a pinch of cardamom until softened and thickened.
Nutty Incorporation: Follow steps 2 and 3 of the Aplets recipe.
A Touch of Spice: Before dusting with powdered sugar, lightly sprinkle with ground cardamom for an extra layer of flavor.
Beyond the Traditional: Explore and Experiment
Don’t be afraid to experiment! Swap walnuts for pecans, add a hint of cinnamon, or try other fruit juices like cranberry or pomegranate. Your kitchen is your orchard—let your creativity blossom.
Where to Buy (If You Must): Seeking Alternatives
While nothing truly compares to homemade or the original Liberty Orchards versions, you can sometimes find similar fruit-and-nut confections online or in specialty stores, particularly in the Pacific Northwest. Some experts believe that stores focusing on regional products might be your best bet.
A Legacy Continues: The Enduring Appeal
Aplets & Cotlets, a testament to resourcefulness and the fusion of cultures, remain a beloved treat. While their future may look different than their past, their story continues, written now by those who cherish their unique flavor and carry on the tradition in their own kitchens. So, gather your ingredients, embrace the process, and experience the magic of Aplets & Cotlets.
Aplets & Cotlets vs. Turkish Delight: A Tale of Two Chews
While inspired by Turkish delight, Aplets & Cotlets have carved their own distinct identity. The primary difference lies in the gelling agent. Turkish delight relies on starch, creating a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Aplets & Cotlets, however, utilize pectin, resulting in a firmer chew and a brighter fruit flavor. The flavor profiles also diverge. Turkish delight often features floral notes like rosewater, while Aplets & Cotlets embrace the pure essence of apple and apricot.
Feature
Turkish Delight
Aplets
Cotlets
Primary Fruit
Not Applicable (Often flavored with rosewater, citrus, or mastic)
Apple
Apricot
Nuts
Varies
Walnuts
Walnuts
Gelling Agent
Starch
Pectin
Pectin
Flavor Profile
Delicate, Floral
Bright, Fruity
Rich, Fruity
Texture
Soft
Firm, Chewy
Firm, Chewy
What Happened to the Original Aplets & Cotlets?
After over a century of gracing shelves and delighting taste buds, Liberty Orchards, the original maker of Aplets & Cotlets, closed its doors in June 2021. Despite a long search for a buyer, the family-owned business couldn’t find a suitable successor. While the exact reasons remain unclear, several factors likely contributed. Some believe it may have been changing consumer preferences, increased competition, other economic factors, or difficulties in succession planning. Perhaps ongoing research into similar business closures will offer some clarity.
| Possible Contributing Factors to Liberty Orchard’s Closure |
|—|—|
| Changing Consumer Preferences | A shift away from traditional fruit-and-nut candies is possible. |
| Increased Competition | The confectionery market has many newer companies. |
| Economic Factors | Rising costs for ingredients, production, and labor may have occurred. |
| Succession Planning | This can be a challenge for family-owned businesses. |
| Market Saturation | The regional focus of Aplets & Cotlets may have limited growth. |
It’s important to note that these are just some possibilities. The truth is probably a complex interplay of various challenges.
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