Sweet Stuff

Randy’s Baked or Microwaved Apples

Core 1 apple for each person and place in small dish.

Mix together 2 tablespoons of raisins, 1 tablespoon of brown sugar and ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon, nutmeg or allspice for each serving. Add nuts, dates, mincemeat, chutney, dried or candied fruit if you wish. Stuff apple with mixture.

Microwave on High 2-3 minutes until apple is soft and fluffy. Or add 1 tablespoon of cider, apple juice or water per apple to dish and bake at 350° for about 45 minutes. Let stand until cool enough to eat. Enjoy with ice cream, sour cream or a slice of cheese.

Skor Bar Apple Dip

This easy & unusual dip is great for a crowd!

Layer softened cream cheese on the bottom of a shallow dish. A glass pie plate works well.

Top with a layer of butterscotch or caramel sauce: either homemade or from the store.

Then cover with crushed Skor bars. We buy the packages of 4 or more bars.

Dip sliced apples in a little lemon juice and water to stop them from browning or try using Cortland apples. For a nice presentation use some red and some green apples!

Serve the dip with the sliced apples. And lots of napkins.

Everyone enjoyed the dip!
Everyone enjoyed the dip!

Apple Muffins

¼ c. shortening or margarine
¾ c. white sugar
½ tsp. vanilla
1 egg, beaten
1 c. flour
½ tsp baking soda
1 tsp. baking powder
¼ tsp. salt
½ tsp. cinnamon
¼ tsp. nutmeg
1 ½ c. chopped apples
1 tbsp. cream or milk

Cream shortening and sugar. Add vanilla and beaten egg.

Stir together dry ingredients and add to wet, stirring just to moisten.

Gently add apples and cream.

Fill greased muffin cups and bake at 350° for 20-25 minutes.

Add a cup of grated cheddar to the mixture before baking if desired or serve with a slice of cheese!

Harvest Moon Orchard Mincemeat

Wonderful added to an apple crisp or pie or make mincemeat tarts! Easier than it looks! Freezes well too.

3 lbs cooking apples, peeled, cored, chopped
1 c dried cranberries
½ c chopped pecans
1 c golden raisins
⅔ c dark raisins
⅔ c dried currants
¼ c butter
½ c packed brown sugar
¼ c brandy
¼ c molasses
¼ c or more apple cider
½ c mixed peel
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp cinnamon
½ tsp nutmeg
¼ tsp ground cloves
¼ tsp allspice

Combine all ingredients in a large heavy saucepan (dutch oven works well).

Cook over low heat until apples are very tender and mixture is thick, stirring occasionally, about 50 minutes.

Cool completely.

Cover and refrigerate. Freezes well.