It's Apple Time -- Involve the Family!

One of the compensations for the end of summer is the fall apple season. The new crop of crispy, sweet, healthy treats is ready for enjoyment. But there are lots of ways to appreciate and celebrate apples in addition to buying a bag at the supermarket or farm stand.

How about a weekend drive into the countryside for apple picking? A Sunday afternoon powwow in the kitchen, making applesauce with the kids? Or whip up a batch of caramel apples to offer at your next party.
A reader sent a link to this article, "10 Family-Friendly Apple Themed Ideas," which includes those I just mentioned along with several others.
While we're at it, here's an easy recipe for one of my favorite apple treats.

RECIPE: Apple Crisp
Serves 6-8

Ingredients:
5-6 cups cored and sliced apples (I peel mine for this recipe, but leave the peels on if you prefer)
2 T flour
2 T sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Dash of salt
For the topping:
1 1/2 cups uncooked oats
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
1/3 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
1/2 cup melted butter or margarine

Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Lightly oil an 8x8-inch baking dish.
In a large bowl, toss apples with flour, sugar, cinnamon and salt. Spoon apples evenly into prepared baking dish.
In a smaller bowl, mix oats, sugar and walnuts, then stir in butter or margarine. Mixture should be crumbly. Sprinkle mixture evenly over apples and place in oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until topping has browned and apples are bubbly.
Let cool to room temperature. Serve with frozen yogurt or ice cream, if desired.

Apple Crisp