Apples Apples Everywhere!

Tis the season for apple picking!  Find a local orchard, grab a friend or two and pick a peck or bushel for a good time and delicious dishes to follow.  Mr. PT and I found a great orchard nearby with several different varieties of apples and picked 1/2 bushel.  So far we have enjoyed apple tarts, apple sauce, and apple muffins!  Hopefully this entry will inspire you to channel your inner Johnny Appleseed.

French Apple Tart

I actually borrowed this recipe from Ina Garten...that woman knows what she's doing!  It was quite simple to make and the final product was beautiful and delicious!  

See her recipe here! 

I actually made this tart instead of cake for Mr. PT's birthday.  It was a nice change!

Next, Mr. PT helped me peel apples for apple sauce.  This is a very simple recipe to follow and a great way to use a bunch of apples if you have them!

Fill the bottom of a big pot with about 1/4 inch of water.  Peel and slice as many apples as you can fit in your pot and let them simmer and steam until they are mushy and at your desired consistency (either more lumpy or smooth).  I added 2 cinnamon sticks, cloves, vanilla, and a little honey.  That's it!  I plan on taking this to school for lunch, eating it on pancakes, and freezing it for later! Yum!

Now it's time for apple cinnamon muffins.  This is a recipe I got from my sister's mother-in-law when Mr. PT and I tied the knot (thanks Bobbi!).  They are an easy muffin to make and not overly sweet.

You will need:
-3 cups flour
-2 cups sugar
-1 tbs baking powder
-1 stick butter melted

Mix all together and set aside a heaping cup of above mixture for muffin topping later.  To remaining mixture add:
-2 eggs
-1 cup milk
-1 tsp vanilla
-1 tbs cinnamon
-1 cup apples (chopped into small pieces)

Mix these and pour into muffin pans with cupcake paper liners.  Fill papers 3/4 full saving room for crumble topping.

To the cup of mixture set aside earlier add:
-2 tbs melted butter
-1 tsp cinnamon

Mix all. Sprinkle on top of batter in pans. Bake at 350 for 20-30 minutes.  Test with toothpick insert.  Makes 20-22 muffins!

After all this, I still have a serious amount of apples left, so stay tuned for more yummy apple ideas!

Combine with an orchard hike, followed by a steady bike ride on your favorite path.  Enjoy this autumn weather while it lasts!