It's Apple Season!
By Brenda Hyde
Apples are not only delicious, but they are easy to store,
inexpensive and versatile. I love visiting our local orchards
for the season's best crisp apples, but at the same time
I watch the grocery stores for sales. I have gotten a three
pound bag of apples for less than a dollar many times.
These "bargain apples" are wonderful in recipes, such as
the ones below.
Be sure to choose apples that are firm and unblemished.
They can be stored in the refrigerator or a cool, dark
place such as a dry basement. If possible, store the
apples in a single layer so they are not touching.
Caramel Apple Dumplings
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons butter or margarine
1 1/2 cups brown sugar
1 1/2 water
Dumplings:
1 1/4 cups flour
1/2 cup sugar
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 cup milk
2 tablespoons butter or margarine
2 tsp. vanilla
1/2 cup chopped apple
In a skillet, heat the unsoftened butter,
brown sugar and water to boiling.
Reduce heat to simmer. Meanwhile,
mix together all dumpling ingredients.
Drop by tablespoonfuls into the
simmering sauce. Cover tightly and
simmer 20 minutes. Do not lift lid.
Serve with ice cream if desired.
Spice Apple Cheese Spread
Ingredients:
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1 cup finely diced apple ( one small)
1/3 cup crushed walnuts
2 tablespoons milk
1/4 tsp. cinnamon
1/8 tsp. nutmeg
In a small mixer bowl, beat cream cheese until light and
fluffy. Beat in remaining ingredients until well blended.
Refrigerate, covered, 1-2 hours to allow flavors to blend.
Store in refrigerator up to one week. Also good on bagels,
toast or waffles.
Dutch Apple Pie
Ingredients:
1 6 ounce graham cracker pie crust
1 egg white, beaten
5 1/2 cups fresh, peeled, sliced cooking apples
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
3 tablespoons flour
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. each nutmeg and salt
Topping:
3/4 cup flour
1/4 cup sugar and packed brown sugar
1/3 cup margarine
Heat oven to 375 degrees. Brush crust with egg white. Bake
on cookie sheet until light brown; about 5 minutes. Remove
from oven. In bowl, combine apples, lemon,sugars,flour,
spices and salt. Mix well; spoon into crust. Combine topping
ingredients until crumbly and place evenly on pie top.Bake
on sheet for 50 minutes or until filling is bubbling. Serves 8.
Easy Apple Kuchen
Ingredients:
1/2 cup margarine, softened
1 package yellow cake mix
1/2 cup flaked coconut
2 1/2 cups sliced, peeled baking apples
1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 cup sour cream
1 egg
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Cut butter into cake mix
until crumbly. Mix in coconut. Pat into ungreased
9x13 cake pan, building up edges. Bake 10 minutes.
Arrange apple slices on warm crust. Mix sugar and
cinnamon; sprinkle on apples. Blend sour cream and
egg; drizzle over the apples. Topping won't completely
cover the apples. Bake 25 minutes or until edges are
light brown. Serve warm. 12-15 servings.
Fried Apple Rings
Ingredients:
1 cup buttermilk baking mix
1 egg
l/2 c milk
2 medium apples, pared and cored
Combine the baking mix, egg and milk and mix with on
medium speed until smooth. Slice apples crosswise into
1/8" rings. Dip rings in batter. Bake on hot greased griddle
until golden brown, turning once. May be served with syrup,
preserves or sprinkled with powdered sugar.
Apple Cake
Ingredients:
2 cups chopped apples
1 cup sugar
1 1/2 cups flour
1 tsp. nutmeg
1/2 tsp. allspice
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. salt
1 tsp. soda
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 cup chopped nuts
optional: 1/2 cup chopped dates
Sprinkle sugar over the apples and let stand 20 minutes.
Add 1/2 cup salad oil and mix, add 1 egg and mix again.
Add dates if using. Mix all dry ingredients in another
bowl, then sprinkle over apple mixture until just moistened.
Grease an 8x8 pan and coat with flour. Add batter to pan
and bake at 350 degrees for about 1 hour. Freezes well.
Frost with cream cheese frosting if desired, or sprinkle
with confectioners sugar.
About the Author
Brenda Hyde is a wife, and mom to three, living in
the Midwest United States. She is also a freelance
writer and editor of Old Fashioned Living.
