Need to use up those leftover apples? Here is a bundle of recipes to eat them up!







Save money and eat healthier by making your own applesauce for your kids. This way you know EXACTLY what you are feeding your kids and you will feel better about making it yourself-I know I do!

Homemade Applesauce

What you will need:

• 8 apples - peeled, cored and chopped into pieces( organic would be great if you can afford them!)
  
• 1-1/2 cups water
• 1/2 cup white sugar( you may need more or less depending on how sweet your apples are-go by your taste)
  
• 1/2-1 teaspoon ground cinnamon(optional)

In a saucepan, combine apples, water, sugar, and cinnamon. Cover, and cook over medium heat for 15 to 20 minutes, or until apples are soft. Allow to cool, then mash with a fork or potato masher.

Storage and freezing:

You can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for a week or two but after that you may want to freeze it so that none goes to waste!

Suitable Packaging: Applesauce can be frozen in plastic freezer bags and rigid plastic or glass containers that are airtight and provide a moisture/vapor barrier. Leave at least 1/2 of headroom for pints and 1 inch for quarts.

Maximum Storage Time: 1 year at 0ºF.

Thawing: Applesauce can be thawed in the refrigerator or, if you're in a hurry, use the microwave.

Caramelized Apple Rings

A sweet side dish, snack or delicious dessert, these apple rings are wonderful!

What you will need:

• 2 large tart apples, cored and sliced 1/2-inch thick rings
  
• 4 tablespoons butter or margarine
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar

In a skillet, cook apples in butter until tender. Sprinkle with brown sugar. Cook until apples are golden brown and caramelized, about 5 minutes. Serve with a bit of Cool Whip if desired. Yum!

Yield: 4 servings

Quick and easy Apple dips:

What better way to eat those apples but to eat them fresh!

Cream cheese Dip

• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Stir(or beat) together the cream cheese, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until the sugar has dissolved, and the mixture is smooth. Serve with apple slices or other fruits.

Peanut Butter Fruit Dip

• 1 cup vanilla yogurt
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup whipped topping

In a bowl, combine the yogurt, peanut butter and cinnamon; mix well. Fold in the whipped topping. Refrigerate until serving. Serve with apples and other fruits.

Grandma Ople's Apple Pie Recipe- can be found on allrecipes.com

What you need:

• 1 recipe pastry for a 9 inch double crust pie
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 8 Granny Smith apples - peeled, cored and sliced

1. Melt butter in a sauce pan. Stir in flour to form a paste. Add white sugar, brown sugar and water; bring to a boil. Reduce temperature, and simmer 5 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, place the bottom crust in your pan. Fill with apples, mounded slightly. Cover with a lattice work of crust. Gently pour the sugar and butter liquid over the crust. Pour slowly so that it does not run off.
3. Bake 15 minutes at 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Reduce the temperature to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C), and continue baking for 35 to 45 minutes.

Apple Squares

You will need:

• 2 cups sifted all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup butter or margarine, melted
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 3/4 cup white sugar
• 2 egg
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups chopped apple
• 1-1/3 cups and 2 tablespoons finely chopped walnuts
• 2 Tablespoons white sugar
• 2 Teaspoons ground cinnamon
  

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9x13 inch pan. Sift together flour, baking powder, salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon; set aside.

In a large bowl, mix together melted butter, brown sugar, and 3/4 cup of white sugar with a wooden spoon until smooth. Stir in the egg and vanilla. Blend in the flour mixture until just combined, then stir in the apples and walnuts. Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared pan. In a cup or small bowl, stir together the remaining cinnamon and sugar; sprinkle over the top of the bars.

Bake for 25 to 30 minutes in preheated oven; finished bars should spring back when lightly touched. Cool in the pan, and cut into squares. DO NOT over cook!

Enjoy! After all.. "An apple a day...." Well, you know.... :)