A Banner Year for Apples

This year, 2011, has been a banner year for apples. The trees are overflowing with fruit. Applesauce is easy to make and freeze, so it is an excellent way to preserve the autumn harvest for later in the winter. Having a food mill or ricer makes applesauce preparation a breeze. Simply quarter the apples and put them in a large pot. There is no need to remove stems, seeds, or skin. Sprinkle sugar if desired over the layers. When the pot is full add a little liquid, water, apple cider, or apple juice are good choices. Let the apples simmer, they will create more liquid as they heat up, until they no longer hold their shape. Let the pot cool and then put the apples through the food mill or ricer. At this point, the sweetness can be adjusted, and spices can be added. Homemade applesauce is second to none.

If a new recipe for apples desired, “Apple- Almond Upside-Down Cake” from Deborah Madison’s Vegetarian Cooking for Everyone is a great one. This recipe can be used with just about any fruit. This recipe is a delightful change of pace from apple pie, easy to make and turns out exceedingly well. Friends and family might even think hours were spent in the kitchen making it!

In a cast iron skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of butter with ¾ cup brown sugar. Once melted and smooth remove from heat. Peel and core three large apples and arrange in a single layer around the skillet. The ingredients for the cake are as follows:

½ cup butter softened
¾ cup sugar

Cream these two ingredients in a large bowl. Then add the following one at a time mixing after each addition.

1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon almond extract
3 eggs at room temperature, add one at a time
2/3 cup blanched almonds finely ground 1 cup flour
¼ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder

Pour batter over apple brown sugar mixture in skillet and bake at 375 degrees for about 35 minutes (keep an eye on it, ovens vary). Cake is done when it is “golden and springy when touched in the center with a finger’. Let cool for a few minutes and then invert on a cake plate. This works well it does not stick. Enjoy!


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