Apples, apples and more apples

Taking the kids apple picking is one of my favorite things in the world to do. There is a farm near us that is wonderful, hay rides, easy ladders for them to climb on and DELICIOUS apple cider donuts! We get their early, grab a cup of coffee and donuts and then meander through all the different trees.

However, when we get home I am always trying to figure out what to do with the seeming bottomless bag of apples. I do have an apple corer/slicer/peeler thing that is great! Here are some quick and EASY things that we do with them:

1. Baked Apples -

Simply core the apples, leaving the skin on and pop in 1/2 stick of cinnamon, a teaspoon (or so) of brown sugar and butter and then bake at 350 for about 30-45 minutes. It is a great dessert alternative and the kids can do it themselves for the most part. If I have it on hand I make some whip cream and put the sauce from the bottom of the pan on top.

2. Apple Sauce

I like this because it cooks in the slow cooker and again, the kids can do this themselves for the most part.

10 McIntosh, Granny smith or Macoun apples (cored and chopped)

4 Peaches (pitted and chopped)

2 teaspoons of cinnamon

Plop it all right in the slow cooker and cook on high for 3 hours and then on low for 2.

3. Apple Crisp -- This is Ina Garten's recipe that I LOVE (though I must admit, I don't always go with the "fresh" oj and lemon juice -- I just use whatever I have on hand, even if it is in a carton.

Ingredients

• 5 pounds McIntosh or Macoun apples
• Grated zest of 1 orange
• Grated zest of 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• For the topping:

• 1 1/2 cups flour
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 cup oatmeal
• 1/2 pound cold unsalted butter, diced

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter a 9 by 14 by 2-inch oval baking dish.

Peel, core, and cut the apples into large wedges. Combine the apples with the zests, juices, sugar, and spices. Pour into the dish.

To make the topping, combine the flour, sugars, salt, oatmeal, and cold butter in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Mix on low speed until the mixture is crumbly and the butter is the size of peas. Scatter evenly over the apples.

Place the crisp on a sheet pan and bake for 1 hour until the top is brown and the apples are bubbly. Serve warm.