AN APPLE A DAY AUTUMN RECIPE

For times when a little indulgence is deserved, this sweet and buttery, gooey and crunchy treat is just right.

APPLE CARAMEL BARS

Servings: Makes 16 Bars

Ingredients:

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1/4 cup plus 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter or margarine

2 large eggs, beaten

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 Golden Delicious apples, cored and chopped

1 cup caramel candies, each cut in quarters

1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

Method:

1) Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a 9-inch square baking pan. In medium-size bowl, combine 1 cup flour and 1/4 cup brown sugar. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Transfer mixture to pan and press in an even layer in bottom of pan. Bake 10 minutes.

2) In same mixing bowl, combine eggs, vanilla, 1/2 cup brown sugar, and remaining 1/4 cup flour; stir in apples, caramels, and nuts. Pour over bottom crust. Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until golden. Cool slightly; cut into quarters lengthwise and crosswise to make 16 bars. Cool completely.

Nutrition Information:

Protein: 3g; Fat: 9g; Carbohydrate: 32g; Fiber: .8g; Sodium: 113mg; Cholesterol: 41mg; Calories: 215.

Caramel Apple Salad

Caramel Apple Salad
Here's the scoop....
while you and the critters are
eagerly waiting for company to arrive.. tails are wagging, mmmm,
smells good mom, you've whipped
up of a recipe from cooks.com
called "caramel apple salad".

4-6 apples, chopped
2 c. miniature marshmallows
2 cups salted peanuts
1 sm. instant butterscotch pudding
Lg. Cool Whip
1 sm. can crushed pineapple, drained

Whip together pudding and Cool Whip. Add crushed pineapple, apples, marshmallows and peanuts. Stir. Chill.


** 2008 Grand Prize Winner Photo Contest
45th Annual Apple Harvest Festival

Fun for all - work for one!

APPLE PICKING TIME
Every fall I go apple picking at the local farm with my sons and their girlfriends. It's called Larriland Farm. We go a little later in the season because they reduce the price of picking and also charge much less if you choose the fallen apples. Last year we picked 40 lbs. of applesauce. Ravy - my son's fiancee is from Cambodia and it was a wonderful experience for her.
As I said, we had the fun - I did the work! But when I'm in my zone - I relax - wash, peel, sterilize, listen to music, stir, pour, twist, stir, clean - I enjoy it all. Then the kids arrive to sample and take goodies home. Guess who liked my applesauce the best.... Ravy! She ate it right out of the jar :)