An Apple A Day......

I know that now is the time that it seems everyone is talking about pumpkin!   Pumpkin latte, donuts, pancakes, bread.....................  All I can say is ICK, YUCK, BLAH, POO!!!!  Is it obvious that I don't care one thing about pumpkin?  Not even the traditional pumpkin pie at Thanksgiving.  It's just not my thing.

Now give me apples this time of the year and I am in heaven!!!  I like apple everything.  Apples are extremely frugal in the fall.  Most stores and orchards have them for a good price, home trees are loaded, and hopefully you just may see an abandoned or lonely tree some where, that you glean from. **Remember if the tree is in someone's yard - PLEASE ASK PERMISSION.

I absolutely love apple cider, even though it is pretty expensive around here even at the orchard.  I do manage to get a gallon or two during the season.   I love eating fresh apples, and one of my other favorites, is what I call fried apples.   Mmmmmm fried apples and pork chops - a fall fave!!
I love fresh sliced apples dipped into peanut butter.  It's a very healthy snack!

When making fried apples, I simply peel and core, then slice into a pan with about 3 tablespoons of butter.  Sprinkle with sugar or sweetener and a little cinnamon and 'fry' till tender.  Great with dinner, as a dessert, or a snack.

EASY HOMEMADE APPLESAUCE
1/2 C water
7 - 8 C apples, cored, peeled and quartered
1/2 C sugar
1 tsp. lemon juice
1/4 tsp. cinnamon
1/8 tsp. nutmeg
1 tsp. vanilla
Bring water to a boil in a heavy saucepan; add apples and return to a boil.  Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add remaining ingredients; stir well.  Serve warm or cold.
On the spices added, that is up to your desired taste.  I sometimes like to add red hot's instead of cinnamon.  I also use a potato masher to smash into smaller pieces - that is a matter of choice.
These can be made and frozen as well.

CARAMEL APPLE DIP
8 oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened
3/4 C brown sugar, packed
1/2 C butter, melted
1 tsp. vanilla extract
Combine all ingredients, mix well.  Refrigerate for 2 hours.  Makes 2 cups.  Dip fresh cut apple slices in this.  YUM
Cost probably around $2.

SLOW-COOKER CARAMEL APPLES
4 tart apples, cored
1/2 C apple juice
1/2 C brown sugar, packed
12 red hot's
4 Tbsp. butter, divided
8 caramels, unwrapped
1/4 tsp. cinnamon
1 Tbsp. sugar

Cut 1/2" slice off the top of each cored apple.  Arrange apples in crock pot.  Pour apple juice over the apples.  Spoon 2 Tbsp. brown sugar, 3 candies, 1 Tbsp. butter and 2 caramels into each apple center; sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar.  Cover and heat on low until apples are tender - about 4-6 hours.
YUM - top with whip cream if desired.
WHAT A TREAT

I hope you get to take advantage of this wonderful and healthy fall fruit while prices are relatively cheap.  I will list more apple recipes throughout the month (and maybe even a couple pumpkin)!
ENJOY