An Apple a Day...

Apples are such a basic part of our food supply, that we often overlook them when looking to create something special for dessert. Here are a few recipes I've gathered that aim to correct that. An apple a day makes for one very happy family.

Apple Crumb Pie

I discovered this recipe via Frieda Loves Bread, and it's amazing. I made the caramel topping optional, as the flavor of the apple filling and crumble topping is more than delightful enough for me. I am going to try the crustless version next. This one promises to be a family favorite.

optional - Caramel topping, pecans

Ingredients

Baked single-crust pie**

1/2 cup sugar
3 tablespoons flour
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon salt
6 cups thinly sliced peeled apples (about 4 large apples)

Crumb topping:

3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup flour
1/2 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup cold butter

Final topping:

1/4 cup caramel ice cream topping or your own caramel sauce

1/2 cup chopped pecans

Try mix of Fuji, gala, golden delicious and granny smith apples.

**Can make this w/o pie crust in a 9x9 baking pan

Instructions

Make pastry for single-crust pie. Place in pie plate and trim and crimp the edge. Fill pie with parchment and beans or pie weights.

Bake in 400 degree oven for 8-10 minutes.

In a large bowl, stir the sugar, flour, cinnamon, and salt. Add apple slices and gently toss until they are coated well. Pile mixture high into baked pie crust.

CRUMB TOPPING: Stir together brown sugar, flour, and oats. Using a pastry blender, cut in the butter until topping resembles coarse crumbs.

Sprinkle over apple mixture in pie and press down.

To prevent over-browning, cover edge of pie with foil. Put pie on baking sheet.

Bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 25 minutes.

Remove foil and bake 25 to 30 minutes more, or until top is golden.

Remove from oven.

Completely Cool on wire rack and serve!

Drizzle top with caramel topping; sprinkle with pecans, if desired.

Canadian Apple Pudding

Serves 6

4 cups peeled and sliced apples
2/3 c. maple syrup
1/3 c. raisins
1 c. flour
¼ c. sugar
1-1/2 tsp. baking powder
½ tsp. baking soda
¼ tsp. salt
¼ c. butter, melted
½ c. buttermilk
1 egg
1 tsp. vanilla extract

Bring apples and maple syrup to boil in a saucepan; simmer until softened (about 3 minutes). Stir in raisins. Pour into greased 8” square baking pan.

Combine dry ingredients in a bowl.

In another bowl whisk together milk, melted butter, egg and vanilla. Stir into the dry ingredients mixture just until combined.

Drop batter by large spoonfuls onto apples in the baking pan.

Bake at 350° F for 30 minutes.

Apple Streusel Bars

Apple Pecan Crisp

Baked Apples with Maple-Walnut Sauce

Apple Cinnamon Dessert Chimichangas