What better way to celebrate the fall season than with some apple-themed recipes? We have two recipes for you to use this year's bounty of apples—both simple, both perfect for when you’re hunkering down at home. They make your house smell delicious and put your family in a cozy, fall mood. Children will need some adult supervision, but can help with some or most of the preparation, depending on age and ability.
Cinnamon Apple Chips
Kids who like crispy, crunchy snacks will like these apple chips. Even better than the store-bought variety, with no added sugar.
Ingredients- 2–3 apples (or as many as you like)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Preheat oven to 250°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. Slice apples thinly, about 1⁄8 inch thick.
Place apples on the baking sheet in a single layer, with no slices overlapping.
Sprinkle cinnamon evenly over apple slices. Bake for approximately 2 hours, turning halfway through. Check for desired level of crispiness. Enjoy!
Apple Butter
Apple butter is a bit of a misnomer. Of course, it’s made from apples, but it doesn’t contain any butter or dairy. In fact, it’s vegan! It’s smooth and creamy, and bursting with sweet apple flavor. Add to oatmeal or serve on biscuits, waffles, or pancakes.
Ingredients- 6–7 medium-sized apples, cored and roughly chopped
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Place all ingredients in a slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours.
Turn off cooker and let the apples cool, uncovered, for 15 minutes. Puree apple mixture in a blender or food processor until smooth.
If you want to thicken your apple butter even more after you’ve pureed it, cook over low heat until it reaches your desired consistency. Serve warm or refrigerate in air-tight container for up to a week.
