Tag Archive | apple

Apple Pear Sauce

Oct1
Apple Pear Sauce

Apple Pear Sauce

Homemade applesauce is always welcome at the table, but why not put a tasty twist on tradition with the addition of pears.

This combination is good enough on its own, but by cooking them in cranberry juice cocktail along with a couple sticks of cinnamon, it’s easy to make a seasonal treat. It’s just as easy to double or triple the recipe and share with family and friends.

And if you like the idea of making simple hand-crafted items to complement your home, then pick up a copy of Cooking, Baking, and Making: 100 Recipes and DIY Ideas for All Seasons and Reasons and learn how to make easy No-Sew Placemats like these that will be the perfect addition to your fall table.

No-Sew Placemats

No-Sew Placemats

Apple Pear Sauce

3 medium cooking apples, peeled, cored, and coarsely chopped
2 medium pears, peeled, cored, and coarsely chopped
3 tablespoons sugar
1/2 cup cranberry juice cocktail
2 tablespoons water
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 (3- to 3 1/2-inches each) cinnamon sticks

In a medium saucepan, combine apples, pears, sugar, cranberry juice cocktail, water, lemon juice, and cinnamon sticks. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, partially covered, until apples and pears are tender, 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat. Remove cinnamon sticks. Mash with a potato masher to desired texture. Serve warm or chilled. Makes about 2 cups.

Butterscotch Caramel Apple Dip

Oct13

As seen on WKTV NEWSChannel 2 Harried Housewife Butterscotch Caramel Apple Dip

Butterscotch Caramel Apple Dip

Butterscotch Caramel Apple Dip

Savor a taste of the season by whipping up a flavorful dip that pairs perfectly with orchard-fresh apples. Prepared with minimal ingredients, this recipe can be made in minutes and is filled with the taste of autumn.

It’s a yummy after-school snack and a delightful choice for fall gatherings. It also is ideal for making ahead. Prepare up to two days in advance and store, covered, in the fridge.

When it comes to enjoying the goodness of apples, this recipe makes it easy.

BUTTERSCOTCH CARAMEL APPLE DIP

1 (8-ounce) package regular or reduced-fat cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup butterscotch caramel ice cream topping
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Apple wedges, for dipping
For dip, in a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, ice cream topping, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Beat with an electric mixer until smooth. Serve with apple wedges. Makes 12 servings

Cranberry Applesauce Bread

Nov24

As seen on WKTV NEWSChannel 2 Harried Housewife Cranberry Applesauce Bread

Cranberry Applesauce Bread

Cranberry Applesauce Bread

Hearty loaves of fresh-baked bread are welcome additions to holiday celebrations. And when they include merry-red cranberries, tasty applesauce, and aromatic spices, they’re even better.

Ideal for passing at the table, enjoying on Christmas morning, or to give as a hostess gift, this flavor-packed bread is a seasonal delight. Sprinkle with confectioners’ sugar just before serving to add the look of new-fallen snow.

Whatever the occasion, sharing home-baked bread with those near and dear is a delicious way to celebrate the spirit of Christmas.

CRANBERRY APPLESAUCE BREAD

3 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground allspice
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
3 eggs
1 1/2 cups applesauce
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted
1/2 cup milk
1 cup chopped fresh cranberries
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
Confectioners’ sugar (optional)
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease the bottoms of four 5×3-inch loaf pans. In a large bowl, combine flour, baking soda, cinnamon, allspice, salt, and baking powder. In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, applesauce, sugar, brown sugar, butter, and milk. Add to flour mixture; stir just until moistened. Stir in cranberries and walnuts. Divide batter amongst prepared pans. Bake until a toothpick inserted in centers comes out clean, 33 to 38 minutes. Cool in pans 10 minutes before removing to a wire rack. Cool completely. Sprinkle with confectioners’ sugar, if desired. Makes 4 miniature loaves.

Candy Apples

Oct16

As seen on WKTV NEWSChannel 2 Friday, October 24, 2014

Candy Apples

Candy Apples

Treat the ghosts and goblins that will soon be roaming the neighborhood to ghoulishly delicious candy apples. Magically easy to prepare, no sweet-toothed witch or werewolf will be able to resist these seasonal goodies.

A delightful addition to any haunting celebration, this time-honored recipe will have hungry ghouls howling with delight. So when it comes to casting a spell on Halloween, these yummy treats will do the trick.

Here’s another scary good recipe for Halloween Crispy Treats. Enjoy!

CANDY APPLES

8 medium apples
8 wooden sticks
2 1/3 cups sugar
1 cup light corn syrup
1 cup water
1/2 teaspoon red food coloring
Grease a large baking sheet or line with parchment paper. Wash and dry apples; insert a wooden stick into the stem end of each apple. In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, syrup, water, and food coloring. Cook over medium-low heat until sugar dissolves, 5 to 7 minutes, stirring frequently. Insert a candy thermometer into the liquid. Increase heat to high and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-high; boil until candy thermometer reaches 300 degrees F, about 20 minutes, without stirring. Remove from heat. Tip saucepan and swirl each apple in mixture to coat evenly. (Work quickly before syrup hardens.) Place on prepared baking sheet. Cool 1 hour before serving. Makes 8 candy apples.

Mixed Greens and Apple Salad with Cherries, Blue Cheese, and Walnuts

Jan2

As seen on WKTV NEWSChannel 2 The Harried Housewife Mixed Greens Salad

Mixed Greens and Apple Salad with Cherries, Blue Cheese, and Walnuts

Mixed Greens and Apple Salad with Cherries, Blue Cheese, and Walnuts

If one of your New Year resolutions is getting more fruits and vegetables into your diet, then this savory salad is for you.

A refreshing mix of salad greens along with fresh apples, dried cherries, crumbled blue cheese, and toasted walnuts drizzled with tangy vinaigrette is a good way to stick with this year’s resolution.

And if you would like to make it a main-dish salad, just add cooked chicken or your choice of protein. Serve on square salad plates like these from Oneida for both practicality and sophistication.

One thing is certain: With a colorful plate of appetizing ingredients, sticking to your New Year’s resolution will be a cinch.

MIXED GREENS AND APPLE SALAD WITH CHERRIES, BLUE CHEESE, AND WALNUTS

2 tablespoons sherry vinegar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons honey
1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/8 teaspoon onion powder
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1/4 cup vegetable oil
2 small apples, cored and thinly sliced
12 cups mixed greens
1/2 cup dried cherries
1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
1/2 cup toasted chopped walnuts
For vinaigrette, in small bowl, combine vinegar, salt, honey, mustard, onion powder, and pepper. Whisk in vegetable oil. In a large bowl, combine apples, mixed greens, and cherries. Drizzle with desired amount of vinaigrette; toss to combine. Arrange on a large platter or 6 plates; sprinkle with blue cheese and walnuts. Makes 6 servings.

Thanks to Oneida for providing dinnerware

Microwave Applesauce

Nov14

As seen on WKTV NEWSChannel 2 Harried Housewife Microwave Applesauce

Microwave Applesauce

Microwave Applesauce

Homemade applesauce is a time-honored treat that appeals to both children and adults. And when it can be prepared in a short amount of time, it’s even better.

By using a microwave oven instead of a stovetop, a dish of slightly sweetened and spiced applesauce can be ready to serve in no time. A delicious choice to grace the table on Thanksgiving Day, this recipe makes good use of the microwave and allows the stovetop to be freed up for other recipes.

So when you would like to savor the yummy goodness of classic applesauce in a hurry, put your microwave oven to use. After all, modern-day convenience makes enjoying an old-fashioned favorite even better.

MICROWAVE APPLESAUCE

6 medium cooking apples, peeled, cored, and coarsely chopped
1/4 cup water
2 tablespoons sugar, plus more to taste (optional)
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, divided
1/4 teaspoon lemon juice
In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine apples, water, 2 tablespoons sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon. Cover loosely with plastic wrap; microwave on HIGH 10 minutes. Add lemon juice; stir well. Microwave on HIGH, uncovered, until apples are tender, about 2 minutes. Mash with a potato masher to desired texture. Stir in the remaining 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon. Stir in sugar, 1 teaspoon at a time to taste, if desired. Serve warm or chilled. Makes about 2 3/4 cups.

Harried Housewife Recipe Box – Applesauce Pecan Muffins

Oct4

Hi! Here is a link to today’s recipe from The Harried Housewife’s RECIPE BOX for Applesauce Pecan Muffins as seen on WKTV NEWSChannel 2.

It’s the perfect time of year to make good use of just-picked apples. Enjoy! 🙂

Apple Slices with Peanut Butter Dip

Sep10

As seen on WKTV NEWSChannel 2 Harried Housewife Apple Slices with Peanut Butter Dip

Apple Slices with Peanut Butter Dip

Apple Slices with Peanut Butter Dip

Make the most of apple season by whipping up a slightly sweetened peanut butter dip that pairs perfectly with just-picked apples.

By combining a few pantry staples, it’s easy to create a healthy dip that can be on the table in a matter of minutes. Simply slice a few apples and arrange them along with dip on a sturdy platter like this Chef’s Table Platter from Oneida.

Terrific for the back to school season and just right for little hands to dip into, this nourishing snack is a tasty way to enjoy the abundance of apples—and all the goodness of autumn.

APPLE SLICES WITH PEANUT BUTTER DIP

1/3 cup regular or reduced-fat peanut butter
2 tablespoons honey
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
Apple slices, for dipping
For dip, in a small bowl, combine peanut butter, honey, vanilla, and cinnamon; stir until smooth. Serve with apple slices. Makes 12 servings.

Thanks to Oneida for providing serveware

Herb and Apple Dressing

Nov13

As seen on WKTV NEWSChannel 2 Friday, November 7, 2014

Herb and Apple Dressing

Herb and Apple Dressing

Capture the flavors of classic herb stuffing but tweak just a bit with tradition, and prepare this delicious dressing starring some of the season’s top ingredients.

A package of seasoned stuffing mix shortcuts the process of preparing bread cubes and the addition of a crisp apple along with fresh herbs makes this dressing delicious. If you are going to your loved one’s house for Thanksgiving dinner, tote the dressing in this Anchor Hocking Oven Basics 6 piece Bake ‘n Take Set for the ultimate in practicality. Simply garnish with a few apple slices and sage leaves for a pretty presentation.

Add this flavorful dressing recipe to your collection of Thanksgiving recipes, and savor a cornucopia of seasonal flavors year after year.

HERB AND APPLE DRESSING

Nonstick cooking spray
6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) butter
1 medium onion, chopped
1 medium celery rib, chopped
1 large cooking apple, cored and chopped
1 (12-ounce) package herb seasoned stuffing
2 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage
1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
1 1/2 to 2 cups regular or reduced sodium chicken broth, as needed
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Coat a 2-quart baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. In a 12-inch skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion, celery, and apple. Cook until tender, 8 to 10 minutes, stirring often. Place seasoned stuffing in a large bowl; pour onion mixture over stuffing. Add parsley, sage, and poultry seasoning. Gradually stir in about 1 to 1 3/4 cups broth, until the dressing is moistened but not soggy; season with salt and pepper. Place in prepared baking dish; drizzle with 1/4 cup broth, if desired. Cover, and bake 30 minutes. Remove cover; bake until top is golden, 10 to 15 minutes. Makes 8 servings.

Thanks to Anchor Hocking for providing photography and bakeware

Applesauce Pecan Muffins

Oct3

As seen on WKTV NEWSChannel 2 Harried Housewife Applesauce Pecan Muffins

Applesauce Pecan Muffins

Celebrate apple season with mouthwatering muffins topped with the tasty goodness of sugary pecans. An autumnal treat that will appeal to both children and adults, these yummy muffins are quick to prepare and are bursting with homespun flavor.

You can grease the muffin cups or line them with paper liners, whichever way you prefer. I chose this nonstick muffin pan from Oneida to ensure the muffins cook perfectly and are easy to remove. Perfect for a bake sale, school function, or weekend brunch, these seasonal goodies are ideal for a crowd.

So if you would like to satisfy the craving for a homey apple treat, make these muffins. After all, orchard-fresh apples never tasted so good.

APPLESAUCE PECAN MUFFINS

MUFFINS
2 cups flour
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
2 eggs
1/2 cup milk
6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) butter, melted
1 cup applesauce

TOPPING
3/4 cup chopped pecans
2 teaspoons sugar
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Grease 15 muffin cups or line with paper liners. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, cinnamon, baking soda, salt, and baking powder. In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, and butter. Stir in applesauce. Add to flour mixture; stir just until moistened. Divide batter among prepared muffin cups. For topping, in a small bowl combine pecans and 2 teaspoons sugar; sprinkle over muffins. Bake until a toothpick inserted in centers comes out clean, 18 to 22 minutes. Cool in pan 5 minutes before removing to a wire rack. Cool completely. Makes 15 muffins.

Thanks to Oneida for providing photography and bakeware