got apples?

my apple tree has produced a bumper crop of fruit for me this year, and i am absolutely mystified as to why: it had very few blossoms in spring, as it is an old bi-annual variety of tree and did its thing last year. i thought blossoms in spring = apples in summer. having never studied botany at any level, i am clueless.

at any rate, i have been given a bounty of cute little green apples to share and to enjoy.

here is a recipe that is a variation on the classic baked apple; instead of baking them whole, these are sliced and baked with the spices and sugars on top.

they smell heavenly while baking, and are best served warm from the oven with a dollop of creme fraiche, whipped cream, or sour cream (my personal favorite). as the sugars cool slightly, they caramelize; rich and delicious, a small amount is a delightful finish to an early fall dinner.

sliced baked apples:

(all measurements are approximate)

two large granny smith apples (or any other variety of tart, crisp green apple)

3 tablespoons orange juice

1/2 cup sugar

1/4 cup flour

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

large pinch nutmeg

1/2 cube butter (1/4 cup)

brown sugar

peel and slice apples and place in single layer in buttered pyrex baking dish;

sprinkle with orange juice.

in small bowl, mix together white sugar, flour, cinnamon and nutmeg. cut in cold butter with pastry blender or fork.

sprinkle mixture over top of apples; add a handful of brown sugar over all, and bake, uncovered in a pre-heated 350 degree oven for 45 minutes.

do not overbake.

hope you are enjoying the last few golden days of summer and are ready to embrace fall in all its glory.

~karla