Apples on a Coldish Day

When I woke up this morning, I had gained an hour, and lost an operating heating system.

So what do you do, besides calling a repairman?

You bundle up (easy when you live in a cold climate and have lots of sweaters on hand) and decide on something hot to make.

Apples came immediately to mind.   When a local stand had closed up at the end of October, they had apples at half price, and we bought some.

Once you can enjoy the bounty of many varieties rarely found in supermarkets, you find out something completely different.  Each apple has its own characteristics.  Not only that, but it seems that new apple varieties come out every year.

Here are some old favorites - 20 ounce.

Crispin.

Northern spy, my favorite for baking.

At one time, I would have told you my favorite eating apple was the Empire.  That was replaced by the Honeycrisp.  Now, I have a new favorite - from Minnesota, the SweeTango^® .  I can't say enough good things about the SweeTango - not only is it juicy and crisp, but it is pre-spiced.  Yes, when you eat it there is a hint of spice - cinnamon, perhaps? There is definitely something, in the flesh, that's a hint of spice.  What a wonderful eating apple it is. 

If you are getting ready to purchase apples, I recommend you pay attention to the various apple varieties available to you.  Even in the supermarket, you should be able to find what you want. 

This made me think of a recipe I seem to remember from the original 1972 Weight Watchers program and cookbook. (I should add, thank heavens for the changes made in the program since then!)

All you do is wash and core a couple of apples. Put in a pan, then pour some diet soda down the core holes.  Bake at 350 or 375 degrees, depending on the apple size,  for about 45 minutes.  Having the oven on will help heat the kitchen area.

If you want some poetry to accompany your apples, I found a wonderful poem (thank you to this blogger) by the late Mary Oliver - just follow this link.

Here's a quick and easy applesauce - so easy that even I can make it. 

That should warm us up some more.

When spouse or i make applesauce, we break all the rules - it's a wonderful way to use up excess apples (if I bought too many) no matter what type of apple it is.

Or apples you buy at half price.

Now excuse me, while I wait for the repairman.