Apple Oatmeal Squares & Apple Snow

(Makes 1 dozen 3 in. squares)

2 large tart apples, peeled, cored, and diced small (can use Jonathans, Empires, Northern Spys, JonaMacs, Cortlands- I like to use 2 different types for variety). I like to microwave the apples on high for 2 to 3 min to soften them a bit after I dice them up. I let them cool a little, then add the baking soda).

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter

1 large egg1

1/2 cups flour1 tsp cinnamon ( I use Saigon Cinnamon)

1 tsp ground ginger

1/2 cup quick cooking (not instant) oats

1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

1. Preheat oven to 350 F. and lightly grease a shallow 9 by 12 or 13 in baking pan. Combine the apples and baking soda in a nonmetallic bowl and let stand while proceeding with step 2.

2. Cream the sugars, butter, and egg in a mixing bow. Beat in the flour and spices, then stir in the oatmeal, apples, and nuts. Pour the batter into the prepared pan.

3. Bake for 30 to 35 min, or until the cake begins to shrink from the edges of the pan and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool in the pan about 20 min. then cut into squares.

Apple Snow
(Makes 3 cups)

1 cup unsweetened applesauce, chilled ( I make my own from fresh apples from local apple orchards)
1/4 cup confectioners' sugar
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp lemon juice
1/4 tsp salt
1 large egg white
1/2 cup heavy cream

1. Combine there applesauce, confectioners' sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, and salt in a large mixing bowl. In a separate bowl beat the egg whites until soft peaks form and fold them into the applesauce mixture.

2. In a separate chilled bowl, beat the cream until stiff peaks form. Fold the whipped cream into the apple mixture and serve spooned over Apple-Oatmeal Squares. Apple Snow may be stored, tightly covered, in the refrigerator up to 24 hrs before serving.