The Red Headed Chef: Apples, Apples, and more Apples

As some of you might know, I became a homeowner back in July. My family was very supportive of my decision, so naturally, they would naturally want to and see the house once I was unpacked and was settled. Well until now I have not had a housewarming party or had a causal showing of my new home due to me taking my time to make my house my own. Now, little over 3 months later, I am almost, finally done with the little changes to my house that I have planned a housewarming.

So for this event I have thought about what food I should serve: should it be light finger food or heavy hor d'oeuvres. I want something that is going to make my house smell warm and inviting. I have been searching Pinterest for any inspiration I can find and I finally found my solution, apples.

I have alway seen an apple fruit I cut up, dip in caramel or bake in pie. After my discovery, I have found there are numerous things you can do with the apple its self.

***Use the apple itself as the serving piece.***

Warm Apple Cider...in and Apple Cup (recipe below)

Ice Cream in and Apple bowl...add some warm caramel

Warm Apple Pie...baked in an APPLE!!! (recipe below)

Simple Warm Apple Cider

1 gallon apple cider

1 qt. orange juice

1 cup lemon juice

1 qt. Pineapple juice

½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

½ teaspoon ground clove

¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

¼ ground all spice

3 cups water

Pour all ingredients into crock pot and mix well. Set crock pot to low.

By using a crock pot, you can keep the cider warm and it will be ready to serve whenever your guests are thirsty.

As all of the ingredients start to heat up the aroma will seep out and fill your home.

The recipe I recently made was Warm Apple Pie baked in a hollowed out apple. I have not usually been a fan of apple pie (I know so not-American) but I actually liked this recipe.

Warm Apple Pie....baked in an apple

6 Granny Smith Apples
1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
1/4 cup sugar
1 tablespoon light brown sugar
1/4 cup flour
Pie Crust (pre-made or homemade)

Apple Wash

2 cans Sprite
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon lime juice

1) Slice off tops of apples and discard. Use a melon baller to remove the flesh of the apple. BE CAREFUL not to puncture the peel.

(If you want to salvage the apple flesh you can use it for the filling for the apple pie)

2) Once all apples have had the flesh scooped out place apples upside down in bowl of apple wash. This will help the apples not turn brown.

3) With your other 2 apples, remove the skin and chop into small pieces.

4) In a bowl mix chopped apples, sugars, flour, and cinnamon. Scoop apple mixture into hollowed out apples.

5) Roll out your pie crust and slice into 1/4 inch strips. Cover the top of the apple in a lattice pattern with the pie crust strips.

6) Place apples in an 8x8 pan. Bake at 350 for about 30 minutes or until crust is golden brown.

Enjoy!!