Apple and Caramel Sauce (Ice Cream Topping)

Here is a super simple recipe you can make in less than 30 minutes, all on the stove-top!

Caramel and Apples are one of those truly great combinations. Spoon it on top of ice cream and you will feel indulgent!

I did not use exact measurements for this one,so it might be a little like following your Grandmother’s recipes…you know, a little of this and a little of that. But please don’t let that discourage you from trying a batch for yourself. This one is quite easy and there is a bit of wiggle room in there for amounts depending on your preferences.

So, here we go:

Fried Apples

I have had fried apples on my mind ever since my Grandmother last visited a month or so ago. We were on our way to the apple orchard and discussing good ways to prepare apples. She reminisced about the absolute deliciousness of Fried Apples.

So, last night, I decided to get my fix, and serve fried apples with our turkey dinner. And I’m with Grandma- they really were yummy!

The apples were soft, the syrup was thick, sweet and buttery and the flavors spoke of fall with spices like nutmeg, cinnamon, and ginger coating the apples.

What a treat!

Crock Pot Applesauce (low sugar)

Many days throughout fall, as long as I have apples, my house is filled with the sweet and enticing smell of this crock pot applesauce.

I think this just might be my favorite ‘apple’ treat that I look forward to eating when apple season finally arrives.

My very favorite way to enjoy this applesauce, is straight from the crockpot- still hot, then slathered on top of a freshly made buttered biscuit!! O my goodness- talk about YUMMY! In my opinion, this is a hands-down winner, a beautiful pair, and something you must make as soon as possible!

But, I must admit, I do also love to eat this applesauce cold from the refrigerator the next day, too!

I go back and forth as to which I like better!

The preparation couldn’t be simpler. The ingredients are few, and the amount of sweetener used is minimal- allowing the sweetness of the apples to do most of the work, while also keeping a little tartness in the mix, too.

Fill your crock pot in the morning, and enjoy the smell as the apples cook all day. By dinnertime, you will end up with a delicious chunky applesauce.

Here’s how you make it….

Baked Apples

I adore the smell of apples baking!! Whether it’s apple pie, apple butter, applesauce, or these Baked Apples cooking away-It makes the house smell so cozy and inviting and just… “homey”.

This recipe is my favorite way to prepare Baked Apples. And there are sooo many ways you could enjoy this dish…I usually prepare them as a side dish to go along with dinner. It offers something sweet and tart, and pairs well with many meals- to name a few, pork roast or chops, baked chicken, cube steak, or if you are doing a breakfast, it is perfect along with eggs. But, this recipe would also taste delicious if it was served warm on top of vanilla ice cream, or enjoy on top of your morning oatmeal or serve with biscuits and sop up all the good sauce with the biscuit. Oh, yum!

Classic Apple Pie

I love apples. I love pie. I love baking apple pie!

I think pie is one of the most satisfying desserts to make. The finished product is just so rewarding- baked beautifully, golden, and bubbly. And then, to have that first piece slide perfectly out of the

pie plate…ahh, makes me happy!

This week was my husband’s birthday, and as is our custom, he got to choose a favorite meal and dessert as part of the celebration. So, for the second year in a row- he chose this apple pie. Now, that might not seem too amazing, but you see, Tim did not always like apple pie. In fact, it has only been since I have been making this apple pie that he has found that it is one of his favorite treats! And so, my once “chocolate-only-please” guy has been reformed and now asks for this once-disliked pastry, frequently! (WOO-HOO! I love it when I can change his opinion about certain foods!)

Ok, now I must admit- this recipe is very basic. It is simply apple pie with homemade crust-  you are very likely to have a similar recipe that your grandma used to make. But, as I have said before, I like simple and classic dishes. And I think simple dishes are some of the best dishes when they are done well. (that’s how they became classics!)  Also, you will not find pre-made crusts and canned apple pie filling in this recipe (because those are filled with icky chemicals and things!)- it’s completely from scratch!

Sweet and Spicy Butternut Squash and Apples

This is a great side dish for the fall and winter months- using produce that is easy to find this time of year- apples and butternut squash. However, spring is upon us here in Virginia (Hooray!), so I am enjoying the last of these tastes until next season!

I love this dish because it is a great combination of sweet and savory. Winter squash paired with sweet apples. Continuing with that theme, the spices are also sweet and savory, with some spicy heat added in, too!

• 1 small butternut squash
• 3 small apples
• 1 1/2 Tbs. extra virgin olive oil
• 2 Tbs. brown sugar
• 1/8- 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper (1/4 tsp. gives it a pretty good kick. If you don’t want it as spicy- go down to the 1/8 tsp.)
• 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
• 1 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp. pepper

Peel the squash with a vegetable peeler. Cut off the ends. Now, cut the whole thing in half length-wise. Scoop out the seeds. Dice the squash into small chunks.

Peel the Apples and dice into small chunks.

Lightly grease an 8in. dish or baking pan.

Add the squash/apples. Pour the oil over them and toss to coat them well.

Sprinkle on the sugar and spices.

Mix it all up together.

Bake at 400 for at least 30 minutes- or until the squash and apples are tender.