Andy's Apple Crisp

We have a wonderful friend named Andy who recently celebrated his 27th birthday. He throws the biggest party for himself every year, but really, it never is about himself at all. He invites everyone, and he and his wife Paige make all sorts of delicious food for a crowd (chili, hot dogs, corn muffins, and sweets) and then he always has an amazing "show" to put on for us all which usually includes a cardbox box maze (this year it was a castle) which later becomes the biggest bonfire you've ever seen!

Popcorn over a campfire, lighted glow-stick bracelets for us all to wear in the dark, dogs to pet and goats too!

This year there was also a drone taking photos overhead, and several years in the past he would even have a Tesla coil making "lightning",  literal bombs bursting in air...you name it, he has done it!

Somehow, he never makes the party about himself. It's about his friends. He even choked up while he was praying over the food when he also asked the Lord to bless all of us since we mean so much to him. I LOVE this man! He is a like a son to us, so our gift to him was a "coupon" good for one homemade dinner of his choice, just like I do for my family on their birthdays.

I asked his wife Paige what food to bring along for the party, and she recommended an apple crisp for him.  SO here's a pretty simple recipe that I  prepared that is so good. Not too sweet but a nice, warm, sweet treat with a great crunchy-topped texture. I served it plain, but caramel sauce drizzled over the top would be a delicious addition. Ice cold vanilla ice cream would be nice to serve alongside as well.

The only thing that makes it challenging at all is the coring, peeling and slicing of the 6 apples, but if you have a Pampered Chef, "Apple/Peeler/Corer/Slicer" , it would be a breeze!

YOU WILL NEED:

6 apples, peeled, cored and sliced
2 T. white sugar
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 cup brown sugar
3/4 cups OLD-FASHIONED oats
3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/2 cup cold butter

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Toss apples with the white sugar and 1/2 tsp. cinnamon. Place in a baking dish. (I used an 8X11. You can also use a 9 " square baking dish.)

Mix brown sugar, oats, flour, 1 tsp. cinnamon in small bowl. Use a pastry cutter or 2 forks to mash cold butter into the oat mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Spread over top of apples. Pat gently until even.

Bake about 40 minutes. Sides will be bubbling, and top will be browned.

This is so good. Give it a try!

Enjoy~ Everything in moderation

Taffy Apple Salad (A repost)

Today is the first day of fall!

YAY!

But it will be in the 90s here in so. Illinois today.

BOOO!

Normally I love to bake something apple or pumpkin flavored to celebrate my favorite season, but not today.

I decided to share a COLD favorite from the past on this mid-summer-feeling autumn day.

This treat is great anytime of the year, and it is a nice lighter addition to your dessert table which will balance nicely against all the heavy sweets as the holidays approach.  This is not necessarily a diet friendly recipe, but it is not rich or heavy. Tastes very similar to a taffy apple.

*This needs to chill thoroughly for best flavor overnight in the fridge, however it is still good chilled for just a few hours if you're like me and can't wait!



YOU WILL NEED:

1/2 cup sugar
1 T. cornstarch
2 T. lemon juice
1 egg
1 cup pineapple chunks (drain- save juice)
1 (8 oz.) Cool Whip (you can use the lite version- both are good)
2 med. red apples
2 med. green apples
2 cup mini marshmallows
1 1/2 cup salted peanuts

In pan, heat sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, egg and juice from pineapple until thick after boiling (about 5 minutes).
Cool.
In Large bowl, combine all other ingredients. Toss lightly. Refrigerate overnight (or at least several hours).

ENJOY!

Yes, He does.

Apple "Cobbler"

So, if you asked me what my favorite fall dessert is, or the most requested one that I make for others, (besides my chocolate SUZI-Q cake) I would direct your attention to this recipe-- this mouth-watering, warm, buttery, apple "cobbler" that has a surprise ingredient, and a cool assembly.

I guess it qualifies as a surprisingly, cool dessert. But it's served warm. And also good at room temp. and still great served cold in the morning for breakfast, if you are so inclined.

I make this in the summer and fall, and it has been a special request birthday dessert in the family, and also a huge hit at potlucks and get-togethers. Rarely any leftovers and I am always hounded for the recipe.

I first tried the recipe when I was in my thirties. Here I am twenty years later still making it--it is timeless! My cousin Angie sent me a cookbook from New Mexico where she lived at the time, and inside was this treasure. I made a few adaptions, but I have to thank her for leading me to this recipe.

So, back to the secret ingredient...the "crust" to this "cobbler" is....wait for it....

Flour tortillas!

I know, I know. Sounds yucky. But NO ONE will know, if you don't tell them. SO just keep your pie hole shut on this one, K? It will be our little secret.

I shared this recipe on my blog before, but it was made with cherry pie filling. The apple is my favorite, though, and most requested. I'm going to supply the link to the original recipe  at the end of this post so you can see how to assemble.

But here is the step-by-step without pics:


You will need:

1 pkg. of 8-10 lg. flour tortillas
4 oz. softened cream cheese

2 cans apple  pie filling

SAUCE:

1 1/2 stick butter (NOT margarine)
1 1/2 cups water
1 1/2 cups white sugar

1 tsp. real vanilla extract
1/2 cup chopped walnuts 
Equal parts cinnamon/sugar sprinkle for topping 


"Butter" each tortilla with the cream cheese. Put pie filling (3 T or so) on one end of tortilla and roll up, enchilada style.

Place in a buttered 9X13 dish (vertically ) Continue until all are rolled up and placed in dish (some may need to go across bottom horizontally--may need to cut those in half to fit).

Place dollops of remaining pie filling on top, then sprinkle nuts over.

Set aside.Bring to a boil, the sauce and immediately pour over top.  Sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar.Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for about 45 minutes (or until brown on top. and most of sauce has been absorbed).

This is delicious served warm with some vanilla ice cream on top, or top with whipped cream....drizzle with caramel sauce.

And when no one is looking, lick the plate. 😋😋😋

CLICK HERE for the ingredients, instructions, and some pics to better explain the preparation.

ENJOY!

And here's a little encouragement from our Lord to those who may feel the weariness of waiting on Him and His promises. DON'T GIVE UP!  Meditate on these words while you're waiting for this delicious dessert to finish baking.

Apple "Cobbler"

This delicious dessert always brings lots of compliments when I take it to gatherings and has been requested several times for family birthday dinners.  It is very versatile-- the apple filling can be exchanged for cherry, or blueberry or peach. Apple is my favorite, though, and a perfect dessert to serve in the fall.

It starts with a secret ingredient that no one will know about unless you choose to tell them.

The "crust" is actually a flour tortilla! But the delicious filling and special sauce poured over it makes this dessert absolutely delicious!

Give it a try!

You will need:

1 pkg. of 8-10 lg. flour tortillas
4 oz. softened cream cheese

2 cans apple (or other choice) pie filling

SAUCE:

1 1/2 stick butter (NOT margarine)
1 1/2 cups water
1 1/2 cups white sugar

1 tsp. vanilla (or use almond extract if using cherry pie filling)



1/2 cup chopped walnuts (or  slivered almonds if using cherry)
Equal parts cinnamon/sugar sprinkle for topping (omit if using cherry)


"Butter" each tortilla with the cream cheese. Put pie filling 3 Tablespoonsful on one end of tortilla and rollup, enchilada style.

Place in a buttered 9X13 dish. Continue until all are rolled up and placed in dish (some may need to go across bottom).

Place dollops of remaining pie filling on top, then sprinkle nuts over.

Set aside.Bring to a boil, the sauce and immediately pour over top.  Sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar.Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for about 45 minutes (or until brown on top. and most of sauce has been absorbed).

This is delicious served warm with some vanilla ice cream on top, or top with whipped cream....drizzle with caramel sauce....even served at room temp or cold!

Enjoy!