Apples – What to do With the Bushels You Picked?

Apples are one of the most versatile fruits known to man, and have been for a good part of recorded history.  Apples are so popular in fact; apple pie recipes are often handed down through generations. They are served at family reunions and during the holidays all around the world.

Here’s an Apple Pie recipe you’re sure to enjoy making as much as you do eating.

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Old Fashioned Apple Pie (Save time by purchasing ready-made crusts)

Ingredients:
2 (9 inch) unbaked pie crusts  
7 cups peeled, cored, and sliced apples
1 cup white sugar 
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg 
1/4 teaspoon salt 2 tablespoons butter

Directions:
Preheating oven to 425 degrees F.  In a large bowl, combine the apples, sugar, flour, and spices, stirring gently.  Pour the mixture into the prepared pie crusts and dot with butter.  Place the top crust on the pie, and cut holes in the top for ventilation.  Bake for ten minutes at 425 degrees, and then turn the temperature down to 275-300 degrees.  Allow the pie to bake for an additional 40-50 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.  Let the pie cool and then serve.  Add a scoop of homemade vanilla ice cream for a special treat.

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Besides using them in pies, fresh cider, and eaten raw, you may also use apples as a decoration around the home.  After drying apple slices, you may string them on a piece of jute to create a garland, or add the dried slices to a wreath that hangs on the front door.  You can also make ornaments out of applesauce and cinnamon.

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Apple Cinnamon Ornaments

Ingredients:
3/4 cup ground cinnamon 
2 tablespoons ground cloves
1 cup applesauce 
1 tablespoon ground allspice
1 tablespoon nutmeg 
1/8 or 1/4 inch ribbon

Directions:
In a small bowl, mix the applesauce and spices, stirring until the mixture makes a dough.  Roll the dough out between sheets of wax paper.  Using a cookie cutter, cut out the designs you like, and then set them aside.  Roll out the leftovers and cut out until all of the dough is gone.  Poke a hole in the shape to accept the ribbon.  Let the ornaments dry four to five days, uncovered, and undisturbed.  Place the ribbon through the hole and then hang the ornament to leave a pleasant scent.  Store the ornaments in a zip-top bag.

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With over 7000 varieties, apples are one of the most well-known fruits. They can be used in a myriad of recipes and can even be used in non-cooking methods.  Now is the time to get some – cooked or raw, food or craft – apples are truly a fruit to enjoy.