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 freelance writer living on ten acres in rural Michigan with her
husband and three kids. She is also editor of StandBesideHer.com and has a family friendly blog, On the Front Porch.

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