Apple Trifecta

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

11 Oct 2008 11:05 AM

If I had a speedy metabolism (or an overactive thyroid) I would eat apple pie for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The succulent seasonal sensation is one of my all-time favorite dishes. And really, who can go an entire autumn without indulging in at least one slice of warm apple goodness?

The following recipe for Caramel Apple Pie is from a mom friend of mine. She made it for playgroup last year and it was such a hit that she caved into multiple requests and handed out the recipe. It is surprisingly simple to make especially since it calls for store-bought pie dough (though you could make your own from scratch if you desire).

The other two recipes in this Apple Trifecta include one for a Traditional Apple Crisp and another for Hot Apple Cider. Both recipes are so easy to prepare your children could help put them together. In addition, if you are working through a freshly picked bushel of apples these recipes will put a major dent in your pile.

EASY CARAMEL APPLE PIE

Ingredients:

1 pre-made pie pastry (for single-crust pie)

1/2 cup sugar

3 tablespoons flour

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/8 teaspoon salt

6 cups sliced apple

Crumb Topping:

1 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 cup flour

1/2 cup quick-cooking rolled oats

1/2 cup chilled butter

Garnish:

1/2 cup chopped pecans

1/4 cup caramel sauce

Vanilla ice cream

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Place pre-made pastry in pie plate and crimp the edges.

In a large mixing bowl, stir together the sugar, flour, cinnamon, and salt. Add apple slices and toss until they are coated well. Place apple mixture in pie shell.

In another bowl stir together brown sugar, flour, and oats.

Using a pastry blender cut in the butter until topping resembles coarse crumbs.

Sprinkle over apple mixture.

Bake for 50 to 60 minutes.

Before serving drizzle pie with caramel sauce and sprinkle with pecans.

Serve with ice cream.

TRADITIONAL APPLE CRISP

Ingredients:

8 medium apples peeled and diced

1 cup sugar

1 cup flour

1/2 cup butter

1 teaspoon apple pie spice

1 teaspoon cinnamon

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

In small bowl combine sugar, flour and butter and mix until crumbs form.

Place peeled, diced apples in an 8 by 8 square baking dish. Sprinkle cinnamon and apple pie spice over apples and stir. Crumble butter mixture over apples.

Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.

HOT APPLE CIDER

Ingredients:

1/2 cup light brown sugar

1 cup orange juice

1 tablespoon orange zest

3 cinnamon sticks

1 gallon apple cider

Whipped cream

Caramel sauce

Directions:

In a large pot heat first five ingredients.

Ladle into mugs.

Top with whipped cream and drizzle caramel sauce on top

Michele Cheplic writes about red-hot celebrities in POP CULTURE, fiery topics in PARENTS, sizzling recipes in FOOD, calorie burning exercises in FITNESS, and hot new kid-friendly crafts in FUN. Check out all of her articles here.

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Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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