Apple Pickin'

I love New England in the fall.  The pretty foliage, the cool, crisp weather and most of all...the apples!!

Around this time each October, my best pal hosts an apple picking party.  We gather at a local orchard in the morning for apple cider donuts and then head out on a tractor to the rows of apple trees.



Tractor ride!





Pumpkins, gourds and indian corn.



Taking a break ;)

Afterwards, we all head to my friend's house for pulled pork, homemade mac and cheese and games and a pinata for the kiddos.  It's such a wonderful time with great friends!

It's also a great time for trying out new apple recipes :)  Here's one of my favorites.  Enjoy!


Caramel Apple Crisp

Ingredients

• Apple Filling:
• 5 large Granny Smith apples - peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/4 cup water
•  
• Crumble:
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup quick cooking oats
• 1 cup butter, softened
•  
• Caramel Sauce:
• 1 (14 ounce) package individually wrapped caramels, unwrapped
• 1 (5 ounce) can evaporated milk

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 F (175 degree C).
2. In a medium size bowl, toss apples with sugar, flour, cinnamon, lemon juice, and water; spread evenly into a 8x8 inch pan. In another bowl, mix together flour, brown sugar, oats, and butter; spoon mixture evenly over apples.
3. In a heavy sauce pan over low heat, melt the caramels with the evaporated milk. Heat , stirring frequently, until mixture has a smooth consistency. Drizzle the caramel sauce over the top of the crumble.
4. Bake in preheated oven for about 45 minutes (apple mixture will bubble and topping will be golden brown).

Hugs and Smooches,
D