Apples, anyone?

Apple Sculpture by Leo Sewell

A few weeks ago we spent the weekend at Eagle's Mere, a historic resort community located in the Endless Mountains of Pa. As we were driving with our host to a waterfall, he pointed out this great apple sculpture along the road. I'd forgotten I'd taken the picture, but found it just in time to grace my apple post.

Here are two recipes you might enjoy. The first is easy and gluten-free (perfect for the drop of a hat dessert). The second took a little time, but was a great smash for a friend's gathering, where we spent the evening enjoying good conversation, amazing food, sparkling sangrias - seated around a firepit waiting for the rise of the full moon. Need I say more?

True - it's not the greatest picture, but we ate half of this before I remembered to take a shot. I think it's still warm! The recipe comes out of a More With Less Cookbook (a Mennonite publication) but I've altered it a bit, so there's less sugar, more of the crunchy stuff and no gluten.

Apple Crisp

Preheat oven to 475
Combine and put in greased casserole:
4 c sliced apples
1 T rice flour or potato starch
1 t cinnamon
1/8 t salt
1 T water

Cut together with pastry blender (I always just smoosh it up with my fingers in a bowl)
1 c rolled oats (I like old fashioned)
1/2 t salt
1/4 c butter
1/3 c brown sugar

Sprinkle on top of casserole mixture. Bake 35 minutes.
Optional: you can also add pecans to the crumb topping, or raisins in with the apples.

Serve warm with ice cream.

For the second recipe, Alsatian Apple Tarts, I'll send you to the website where I found these. The only thing I would change is that there is enough filling to make 6 tarts, so go ahead and make up two extra from the four she recommends. Otherwise, I followed the recipe just as she had it, and they were indeed, amazing!