What to do with APPLES!

Last week my family had the opportunity to go apple picking.  We picked 2 bags full of apples.  The picture above shows what is still left--and that's after I put a major dent in our apple supply.  Because we had so many apples to use, I spent quite a bit of time searching for recipes and ideas, including how to freeze apples.  Here's what I've come up with so far:

Homemade Applesauce--I tossed about 10 peeled, cored apples in the crockpot with 1/3 cup of sugar and let them simmer for about 3 hours on high.  I then used a fork to mash the apples.  Yummy!

Apple Pie

Caramel Apple Muffins

Apple Spice Bars

Fried Apples--Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a pan.  Add sliced, unpeeled apples to pan.  Season to taste with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and allspice.  Yummy!



 Mini Apple Pocket Pie--I made a double batch of pie dough for this recipe and cut it into 3 1/2 inch circles using Pampered Chef's Cut 'N Seal.  I then sauteed peeled, chopped apples in butter with sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg.  I added about a tablespoon of the apple mixture onto the center of the pie dough circle, folded over and sealed with the Cut N Seal.  I brushed with an egg yolk/water egg wash.  I flash froze these and baked some at 425 degrees for 16-20 minutes.  

 

Apple Prints--I had to throw an art project in there for my daughter.  I cut one apple in half horizontally and one in half vertically to create different patterns (vertical gives an apple outline, horzontal forms a star pattern in the center of the print).  We found it easiest to paint the apple lightly and push with a good deal of pressure to get the best print.

I still have a bunch of apples to use so I would LOVE to hear your ideas, recipes and craft projects using apples!