Apple Recipes

We have an abundance of apples at our house right now. Besides making applesauce, here's what I've been doing with them, (sorry, no pics!).

Apple Pie
For the crust:
1 c. flour
1/2 t. salt
1/3 c. shortening
1/2 t. vinegar
1 egg yolk
3 Tbsp. milk

Combine flour and salt. Cut in shortening until the mixture looks like tiny crumbs. Add vinegar, egg yolk, and milk. I mix this whole thing together with a fork. (secret: I've never owned a pastry blender! Not for not wanting one though.) Form into a ball and wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 30 min before rolling out. Meanwhile make the filling.

For the filling:
4 c. apples, peeled, cored and thinly sliced
1 c. sugar
3 Tbsp. flour
1/4 t. cinnamon
1/8 t. nutmeg
1/8 t. salt

Combine sugar, flour and spices. Add apples and stir well. Pour into prepared crust.

For the topping:
1 c. flour
1/2 c. brown sugar
1/2 c. butter, softened

Combine flour and sugar. Cut in butter. Crumble over pie. Bake the pie at 375 for 1 hour. Cover with foil to prevent over-browning if needed. Note: If you're not lucky enough to have your own apple tree, my favorite apples to buy for this pie are Jonagolds.

Apple Cake
From the Better Homes and Gardens Cookbook
2/3 c. flour
1/2 c. whole wheat flour
1 t. baking soda
1 t. cinnamon
1/4 t. salt

Lightly coat a 9-inch round baking pan with cooking spray. Set aside. Mix together above ingredients and set aside.

1 1/2 c. finely chopped, peeled apples
1 egg
3/4 c. sugar
1/4 c. applesauce

Combine apples and egg. Stir in sugar and applesauce. Add dry ingredients from above and mix well. Pour into prepared pan and add the following topping.

1 Tbsp. flour
1 Tbsp. whole wheat flour
1/4 c. brown sugar
1/2 t. cinnamon
1 Tbsp. butter, softened

Combine flour(s) sugar and cinnamon. Cut in butter and crumble over cake. Bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes. Cool 10 minutes before serving. This is soooo yummy for breakfast!

Waffles

I've been meaning to post this one for a while now, as it is one of our faves, (Parker calls them "awfuls"). Especially when yummy fruit is in season! Now I'm sure most of you have a great waffle recipe, but if you don't....here you go.

1 3/4 c. flour
2 Tbsp. sugar
1 Tbsp. baking powder
1 3/4 c. milk
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 c. canola oil, or butter, melted

Combine the flour, sugar and baking powder in a large bowl; set aside. Combine milk, eggs, vanilla and oil and mix well. Add all at once to flour mixture and whisk until smooth. It's ready for the waffle iron!

Note: This recipe works great with whole wheat flour as well. Just substitute the white sugar for brown. For an extra healthy boost add 1/3 c. flaxseed as well. I found a new recipe recently for whole wheat waffles that uses peanut butter. It looks super yummy....I'll have to let you know how it turns out.

Peach Smoothies

We have had this yummy concoction twice already, and I can tell you that it is here to stay for the season! It's a wonderful addition to any breakfast....or whenever really.

2 large ripe peaches, pitted and diced
1 large banana
3/4 c. milk
1/4 c. orange juice concentrate
2 t. sugar, (we used honey today, and that was just as tasty)
1 t. vanilla
1 c. ice cubes

Combine all ingredients in a blender and mix until smooth.

Of course I have to admit that all I do is slice the peaches and the bananas. The rest is taken care of by the "mix masters".

They're the best helpers in the world!