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Preserve apples while they’re fresh! Here’s how to keep them at their peak for years

This is the best way to preserve apples.

Fall apples are everywhere, and you either have to use them up fresh or lock away that freshness. Dry them out the right way and they could last for 10+ years! Plus, you’ll always have apples on hand for tasty fall recipes.

Rhonda Hair shares the process for perfectly preserved apple slices. If you plan to take on a big bunch, there is a special tool she recommends. Rhonda also shares her recipe for an apple crisp using dried apples.

Find more recipes and advice from Rhonda at www.theprovidenthomemaker.com.

 

Mom’s Double-Double Apple Crisp

Makes 4-6 servings

I call this the Double-Double recipe because each of the three main topping ingredients (butter, brown sugar, flour/oats) is double the quantity of the one before. You can use that same ratio to make cookies- to a quantity double what’s listed below (start with 1/2 c. butter), also add one egg, ½ tsp. baking soda, ½ tsp. salt, and a big handful of chocolate chips.  You’ve got cookie dough!

Ingredients

  • 5-6 apples, peeled and sliced—enough to mostly fill an 8×8 baking pan –or about 4 c. dried apple slices
  • ¼ cup butter, softened or melted
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • 1 cup flour- or use ½ cup quick oats and ½ cup flour
  • Optional: 3/4 tsp. nutmeg and/or cinnamon

Directions

If using dehydrated apples, put them in the 8×8 pan, cover with boiling water and let them soak while you make the topping.

In a small to medium bowl, stir together the sugar and butter until smooth. Mix in everything else until no loose flour remains but you still have some lumps. (They’re the best part!)

Drain off the extra water from the apples, leaving just a little liquid on the bottom.  (Save the drained water for making bread, breakfast oatmeal, for feeding a sourdough start, add to a smoothie or other drink. It contains a little bit of Vitamin C and some natural sweetness.)

Cover the apples with the topping.  Bake at 375° F for about 25 minutes, until topping is browned and crunchy.  If using fresh apples, you’ll need to bake it 30-45 minutes.

Serve with whipped cream or ice cream.

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