Hello from the kitchen!

Apple picking is almost done for the season but creating things with apples has just really got started. I love making baked goods using apples. Cookies, dumplings and pies. Then there are jellies, apple sauce, apple butter and so on. There’s nothing like a slice of fresh warm bread spread with apple butter and topped with cottage cheese. Or better yet, have a hot apple dumpling topped with vanilla ice cream. My spouse drives truck and doesn’t get home cooking out on the road, so the weekends are all about comfort foods and desserts. I enjoy making all things apple but my favorites are apple sauce and apple butter. They can be frozen or canned. These are also a nice addition to your upcoming holiday meals.

Apple crisp

• 4 cups peeled and sliced apples

• 3/4 c light brown sugar

• 1/2 c flour

• 1/2 c quick oats

• 1/3 c butter, softened

• 1 tsp cinnamon

Preheat the oven to 375. Spray an 8″ pan. Put apple slices in bottom of the pan. In a medium bowl, mix together the rest of the ingredients until they are crumbly. I use my hands to crumble the mixture. Pour over top of the apples. Bake 30-35 minutes or until the apples are soft. Serve warm with ice cream.

Applesauce cookies

• 2 c sugar

• 2 c applesauce

• 1 c shortening

• 4 c flour

• 2 tsp baking soda

• 2 tsp cinnamon

• 1 tsp ground cloves

• 2 c raisins (optional)

Mix all ingredients in the order given. Bake at 325 for 11-13 minutes.

Eat well my friends and have an apple.

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Bev Kauffman, of Lewistown, operated a catering business in Juniata County for nearly 20 years. She has authored the cookbook, “Preserving the Past: In the Kitchen with Bev Kauffman” in 2013 and is currently working on a second cookbook.