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.

Holiday Pretzel Treats

Ingredients:

• Bite-size, waffle-shaped pretzels
• Hershey's Kiss or Hershey's Hug

• M&M's candy

Instructions:

1. Heat the oven to 170F. Set a number of bite-size, waffle-shaped pretzels (one for each treat) in a single layer on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper, then top each pretzel with an unwrapped Hershey's Kiss or Hershey's Hug.

2. Bake for 4 to 6 minutes (the white chocolate will melt more quickly), until the chocolates feel soft when touched with a wooden spoon. Remove the cookie sheet from the oven and quickly press an M&M's candy into the center of each Kiss.

3. Allow the treats to cool for a few minutes, then place them in the refrigerator to set, about 10 minutes. Place handfuls of the candies in clear plastic bags and tie on colorful ribbons.

Easy Pumpkin Bread

I've never made pumpkin bread. And I am a failure at making regular bread. But this recipe was easy enough for me to handle and everything turned out great! So, for the bread making challenged, try this one, its sure to turn out delicious!

Pumpkin Bread

from: Lynne Dewey

2 c. Sugar

1 c. Brown Sugar

1 c. salad oil (veg, canola, etc)

4 eggs

2 c. Canned Pumpkin

* Mix all the above ingredients together until combined.

Sift together:

3 1/2 c Flour

2 tsp Baking Soda

1 tsp Baking Powder

1 tsp Salt

1 tsp Crushed/ground Cloves

1 tsp Nutmeg

1 1/2 tsp Cinnamon

1. Add everything together in one bowl and mix until combined.

2. Stir in 1 cup of Chocolate chips

3. Divide batter into 3 different bread pans. Bake at 300 degrees. Check after 50 mins. Bread is done when a knife inserted in the middle comes out clean. Enjoy!