I hope you all enjoyed a wonderful Superbowl weekend! I know Adam and I did. I work in retail and somehow I was able to get the entire weekend off! Crazy I know! So, we decided to spend some quality time socializing our dogs, doing some lazy grocery shopping at Horrocks, and, to make Sunday really special, put some mulled wine into a crock pot and snack on goodies all day! Which I'm pretty sure is exactly what 80% of the population was doing that day too -- just drinking and eating!




Alright, so I know that the winter holidays are over and we are all looking forward to celebrating the spring holidays -- but that doesn't mean that you still can't make winter desserts. Especially as it seems that winter is actually going to start right about now -- at least in Michigan! As the temperatures drop into the teens and below, I find myself looking forward to some warm and tasty goodies.

Brrrrrrrrrrrr!

Speaking of "warm and tasty goodies," we all love apple pie right!? I mean seriously, I don't think I've come across a single person that doesn't. Although that doesn't mean every conversation I have includes the subject of apple pie; though, now that I think of it, maybe they should! Think of how much happier all of your conversations would be if you start a conversation about pies! There's a happy thought!  Perhaps, I might consider implementing that when I get a cranky customer. Just randomly say "excuse me, sir, I notice you're unhappy with our appliance selection. Do you like apple pie?" Hmm, probably not the best sales approach!

Fortunately, I love apple pie!  And this specific recipe provides a bit of a twist on your traditional apple pie thinking. Just in case, by this point in the winter season, you've become bored with traditional apple pie -- totally not possible, I know, so lets just pretend for a moment it's true.  Then, good news!  I've decided to spice things up a little bit. I've added two new ingredients: apple cider and caramel.

I know, I know, like apple pie just wasn't addicting enough as it is.  So, I thought, why not add a little something more!  Stay warm and EnJoY!


INGREDIENTS:

• 8 large apples - your choice of your favorite kind
• 1 qt apple cider
• 1/4 c caramel (optional)
• 4 tbsp softened butter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 c brown sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 2 pinches of salt
• GF 2 pie crust
• egg wash & cinnamon sugar (optional)

METHOD:

1. Place the cider in a large pot and bring to a boil. Let it boil until the cider starts to thicken. This could take an hour or more. Don't rush the process and but don't be worried you have to watch it the whole time -- you only need to check on it 4 or so times and watch it more when it's getting to the end. 
2. While the cider is becoming caramel like, peel and slice the apples. 
3. When the cider is done add the caramel, vanilla, butter and salt. Stir then pour into large bowl to let cool. 
4. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
5. In another large bowl combine brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg and toss with apple slices.
6. Add the cooled caramel mixture and toss well again to combine. 
7. Roll out half of your pie crust and transfer to a pie plate. Trimming edges as desired. 
8. Place pie filling into pie crust as desired. 
9. Roll out the remaining crust and place on top. Seal the edges how you desire -- I just crimp mine with my fingers. Cut or poke some holes in the top of the pie crust. 
10. If desired egg wash the crust and sprinkle some cinnamon sugar on top. 
11. Bake for 40-50 minutes or until crust is golden brown. 
12. Let cool for 30 minutes after it's done before serving. 
13. EnJoY!