'Tis the Season for Apples

In a few weeks, we will visit Willowbrook Farms for some apple picking and some fresh cider pressing. Mmmmmm, Mabon!



Here are a couple favorite apple recipes for you to print out and try. A simple way for you and your family to enjoy in the magic of the season.

~Vermont Baked Apples~

Prep. time: 10 min.    Bake time: 1 hr. 45 min.

6 large cooking apples (Rome Beauty or Cortland hold their shape well when baked)

3 tablespoons butter

1 cup maple syrup or maple-flavored syrup

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Remove apple cores beginning at stem, peel one-third of way down. Stand apples in shallow 13" by 9" baking dish. Place 1 1/2 teaspoons butter into cavity of each apple. Pour maple syrup over and around apples.

2. Bake apples, basting occasionally with syrup in baking dish, until tender, about 1 hour 45 minutes. Serve hot or cover and refrigerate to serve chilled.

~Optional~

Serve with whipped cream!

Makes 6 servings

~Apple Brown Betty~

Prep. time: 35 min.   Bake time: 50 min.

8 slices firm white bread, torn into 1/2" pieces

1/2 cup butter or margarine (1 stick), melted

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

2 1/2  pounds Granny Smith apples (about 6 med.), peeled, cored and thinly sliced

2/3 cup packed brown sugar

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Place bread pieces in jelly-roll pan; bake, stirring occasionally, until very lightly toasted, 12-15 min. Grease shallow 2-quart baking dish.

2. In medium bowl, combine melted butter and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Add toasted bread pieces, tossing gently until evenly moistened.

3. In large bowl, combine apples, brown sugar, lemon juice, vanilla, nutmeg and remaining 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon to coat.

4. Place 1/2 cup toasted bread pieces in baking dish. Cover with half of apple mixture, top with 1 cup toasted bread pieces. Place remining apple mixture on top and sprinkle evenly with remaining bread pieces, leaving 1-inch border around edges.

5. Cover with foil and bake 40 min. Remove foil and bake until apples are tender and bread pieces have browned, about 10 min. longer. Let stand 10 min. before serving.

~Optional~

Be indulgent: Pour a little heavy cream over each serving!

Makes 8 servings

Blessings,

~Rhiannon~