Apple Crisp

  Now that it's not blazing hot outside, I get to use my oven more often. Today's treat is a delicious apple crisp that will curl your toes. You know how people selling their houses will bake cookies to help make the place smell like a home? The smell of this apple crisp could make a back alley smell like grandma's. I got the recipe from here, and if you haven't tried it, you absolutely must. Let's get started!

Ingredients

• 10 Cups Apples [about 8-10 medium sized apples]
• 1 Cup Sugar
• 1 Tablespoon Flour
• 1 Teaspoon Cinnamon
• 1/2 Cup Water
• 1/2 Cup Raisins [optional]
• 1 Cup of Quick Cooking Oats
• 1 Cup Flour
• 1 Cup Packed Brown Sugar
• 1/4 Teaspoon Baking Powder
• 1/4 Teaspoon Baking Soda
•  1/2 Cup [1 stick] Melted Butter

Preparation

   Wash all apples, then peel [I chose to omit this step *lazy*], core, and slice into pieces.

  Place the chopped apples in a 9x13 baking dish. Mix together 1 cup of sugar, 1 tablespoon flour, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and sprinkle over apples. Evenly pour the 1/2 cup water over the entire apple mixture. [If you wish to add raisins like I did, now would be a good time to add them on top of the apples.]

  Mix the remaining ingredients together and crumble on top of the sugary apple pieces.

  Bake at 350°F for 45 minutes. [If the result is too watery for your liking, I suggest pour the juices over the top of the crumbled mixture.]

  This would be a great substitution for apple pie come Thanksgiving. I hope you enjoy!
-K

Marbled Marshmallows

  Ever feel like making art with food? I know that I often feel that way. Marshmallows are a great way to merge the two. You get something pretty and yummy. They are actually fairly easy to make, I used Alton Brown's recipe [since he is a culinary genius].

Ingredients

•  3 Packs of Unflavored Gelatin
• 1 Cup of Cold Water
• 1 1/2 Cups Sugar
• 1 Cup Light Corn Syrup
• 1/4 teaspoon Salt
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
• 1/4 Cup Powdered Sugar
• 1/4 Cup Cornstarch

Preparation

  Pour 1/2 cup of the cold water into a mixing bowl then add the packages of gelatin.

  In a saucepan, mix together the rest of the water with the sugar, corn syrup, and salt over medium to high heat. Cover it and let it cook for about 4 minutes. Take off the lid and allow it to cook another 8 minutes [You are supposed to use a candy thermometer and wait till it gets to 240°F, but I don't keep one of those around]. Remove the pan from the heat.

  Turn the mixer on low and slowly pour the hot mixture into the bowl. Be very careful with the hot sugar mixture as it will burn you badly [I advise all children and small animals to leave the room ]. Once all the mixture is added, crank up the mixer and let it whip for about 13-14 minutes until it becomes thicker. Add the vanilla extract in for the last minute. You can also use other extracts like almond and peppermint to get a uniquely flavored marshmallow.

 

  While your mixer is busy at work, lightly spray a 9x13 pan with nonstick spray. Mix the cornstarch and powdered sugar in a small bowl and pour part of the mixture into the pan to give it a nice thick coating.

  When the mixing is finished, pour the marshmallow batter into the pan. This is where the art enters. Put a few drops of food coloring on top of the marshmallow. I use a [oiled] chopstick to swirl the colors together and create a marbled effect.

  Let is sit for about four hours until it hardens. Cup with a powdered knife and enjoy your beautiful snack!

 If you swirl in some green and red you would have some very cute Christmas goodies!

-K