Apples, Apples, Apples!

By Julie Wardell

Apple Soda

1 small red apple, cored

12–16 ice cubes

4 cups apple juice

2 cups club soda

Cut the apple into quarters.
To each of four large glasses, add 3–4 ice cubes, 1 cup apple juice, 1/2 cup soda, and one apple quarter. Stir and serve.

Ham and Cheese Sandwiches

3 teaspoons mustard

6 slices bread

3 slices ham

3 slices cheddar cheese

6 thin slices apple

2 tablespoons margarine

Spread the mustard equally on three slices of bread. Then place a slice of ham, a slice of cheese, 2 apple slices, and another piece of bread on top.
In a large skillet, melt half the margarine over medium heat.
Place two sandwiches in the skillet, and cook about 30 seconds or until browned; turn over, and cook until the second side is browned and the cheese is melted. Melt the remaining margarine in the skillet, and cook the other sandwich.
Cut each sandwich into four strips: serve immediately.

Applesauce Pizza

For each pizza, you will need:

1/2 English muffin

3–4 tablespoons applesauce

1 slice of cheddar cheese

Baked Caramel Apples

4 red baking apples

1/2 cup finely chopped dried fruit of your choice

1/4 cup rolled oats

3 tablespoons brown sugar

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

3/4 cup water + 2 tablespoons water

1 package (8 ounces/227 g) caramels

1/2 cup whipping cream

Core each apple (about 1 1/2″ [3.8 cm] in diameter) without cutting through to the bottom.
Place the apples in a 9″ (23 cm) square baking pan.
In a small bowl, combine the dried fruit, oats, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Fill the apples with the mixture.
Pour the 3/4 cup water around the apples. Bake at 350° F (175° C) for 45–55 minutes or until the apples are fork-tender.
Just before serving, melt the caramels with the 2 tablespoons water in a pan over low heat, stirring occasionally. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the unwhipped cream. Place the apples on serving plates and top with the caramel sauce.

Photos by John Luke