Fresh and fruity, this casserole comes from northwestern France, where cider apples grow in profusion. A dish of rice is cooked in the oven at the same time, making this a very simple meal to prepare. Serve with green vegetables.
Add 1 chopped garlic clove and 1 teaspoon chopped fresh ginger to the onion and use freshly squeezed orange juice instead of the fresh apple cider or apple juice. Replace the apple slices with the segments of 2 oranges, adding them 10 minutes before the end of the cooking time. Garnish the casserole with shreds of orange rind. Cook the rice in a mixture of orange juice and vegetable stock.
Some studies indicate that a small quantity of walnuts eaten regularly can help to reduce high blood cholesterol levels. Walnuts may also guard against cardiovascular disease and cancer because of the antioxidants they contain: selenium, zinc, copper and vitamin E.