Friday, September 16, 2011

Fall Has Arrived!

For me, fall doesn't begin until we've gone to the apple orchards for the annual AppleJack Days in Nebraska City.  It's a fabulous family event with go-cart races through town, fresh kettle corn made in these HUGE iron kettles, and EVERY possible apple treat imaginable!  There are 3 different orchards in the Nebraska City area and we try to hit each one as they all offer something different in the way of apple goodies.  I think my favorite apple is a Jonathan apple, as it is both sweet and tart and WONDERFUL for making apple butter ... and here's my favorite fast and easy recipe for this annual treat.



Microwave Apple Butter


Ingredients


8 cups (about 9 medium) apples, cored, peeled and quartered
2 cups fresh apple cider
1-1/2 cups sugar
3 teaspoons cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon cloves
1/2 teaspoon allspice

Directions


In 3-quart microwave-safe casserole dish, combine apples and cider. Microwave on High for 12 to 15 minutes or until apples are tender, stirring twice during cook time. Transfer apple mixture to blender or food processor , and process until smooth. Return apple mixture to casserole dish. Stir in sugar, cinnamon, cloves and allspice; mix well. Microwave on High for 25 to 35 minutes or until thickened and dark brown, stirring once halfway through cooking. Cool (mixture will thicken as it cools). Pour into sterilized jars; store in refrigerator. Makes 4 cups.


And now is also the time when the family starts asking for my infamous apple crisp ... which is a Land 'o Lakes recipe that I've used for years.


Old-Fashioned Apple Crisp

6 medium (6 cups) apples, peeled, cored, sliced  (I like to use Jonathan apples)
3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
3/4 cup quick uncooked old-fashioned oats
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup (1 stick) cold butter


Directions:  Heat oven to 375°F. Place apples into ungreased 9-inch square (2-quart) baking dish.  Combine brown sugar, oats, flour and cinnamon in medium bowl; cut in butter with pastry blender or fork until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle sugar mixture over apples. Bake for 25 to 35 minutes or until apples are tender and topping is golden brown. 

SPOILER ALERT!!  Okay, while this basic recipe is good, I ALWAYS kick it up a bit by DOUBLING the topping ingredients and adding THREE + teaspoons of cinnamon!  And be prepared to loosen your belt a notch or two because this treat is memory making goodness!  Serve it warm with a heaping scoop of ice cream (my kids like cinnamon ice cream with this!) and/or fresh whipped cream (and NOT the kind out of a tub or can - beat up some FRESH whipped cream - you'll be glad you did!)
 


7 comments:

Jingle said...

Both look like GREAT recipes! What kind of apples do you use for the apple butter?

Lillian Child said...

Jonathan are my preference, but red delicious or granny smith work well also!

Crafty and Green said...

Thanks for the Recipes! TWO OF MY FAVORITE APPLE TREATS! In Ohio we go Apple Picking quite a bit! I'm so excited to do that now!! :) Just stopping by to say hello!!

Many Blessings,
Tina

http://craftyandgreen.blogspot.com

Colleen said...

This post just made me sooooooo hungry!!! :) Sounds and looks delish! New follower, returning the love from cbcscrapbooking.blogspot.com
~Colleen

Unknown said...

I am hungry now that I see these delicious recipes on your blog!!! You left me a very nice comment on my Nebraska project post this morning!!

I work part time at Michaels on L Street! I teach scrapbooking classes and cricut/gypsy classes. Would love to see you in person if you are out that way!

Have a great time in Nebraska City this weekend. We have 3 baseball games over the weekend....

Lillian Child said...

Hey, Lori. Don't get to Michaels on L often, but I will definitely look you up next time I'm there. I do the mania at Archiver's once a month and will be there NEXT Saturday for mania if you are in the neighborhood stop in and say hi!

Laura Kirste Campbell said...

Oh, my gracious, a woman after my own heart!! Yummie! Thanks so much for sharing the recipes...this is exactly one of the big reasons Autumn is my favorite season! My hubby is going to be SO happy - he's a major apple dessert fan!