It is National Apple Month!

I live in West Michigan - otherwise known as "Apple Country", so since it is National Apple Month, I thought I'd share a favorite apple recipe, an apple "hint", and some apple fun facts. First, the fun facts - did you know . . . 

More than 2500 varieties of apples are grown in the US.

Apples float in water because 25% of their volume is actually air. Apples are less dense than water, making them the perfect fruit for bobbing.

Apples come in all sizes from just a bit bigger than a cherry to about the same size as a grapefruit.

Apples contain 0 grams of fat or sodium and have no cholesterol.

Apples are members of the rose family.

You will find more fun facts at this link.

Now for my family's favorite apple recipe - 

• 1 cup butter, melted

• 1/2 cup sugar

• 2 teaspoons vanilla

• 1/2 teaspoon salt 

• 2 cups + 2 Tablespoons all purpose flour 

• Preheat the oven to 325°F Line the bottom and sides of a 9×13 glass baking pan (do not use metal) with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to lift the finished bars out (makes cutting easier!). Set aside.
• Mix the melted butter, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt together in a medium bowl. 
• Add the flour and stir to completely combine. The dough will be thick. 
• Press firmly into prepared pan, making sure the layer of crust is nice and even. 
• Bake for 20-22 minutes or until the edges are lightly browned.
• Remove from the oven. 
• While you were letting this bake, slice apples of your choice and when the crust is finished baking, top with the apples.
• Sprinkle generously with cinnamon
• Mix until crumbly
• 1 cup flour
• 1/2 cup oatmeal
• ▢½ cup packed brown sugar 
• ▢½ cup white sugar
• ▢1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ▢½ cup butter from the refrigerator
• Preheat oven to 450°F.
• Top apple slices with topping and pat it down over the apples. Place pie pan on a cookie sheet (they tend to drip over if really full, this will save your oven).
• Bake at 450°F for 15 minutes, reduce heat to 350°F and bake an additional 45-55 minutes. (Poke the center to make sure the apples are soft all of the way through).
• Top with a dollop of ice cream!
• Enjoy!

Finally, my apple tip - whenever you are fixing a pork loin, roast, or beef roast, or stew, or chicken breast, or turkey (think Thanksgiving) add some cut apple - it will add SO much flavor and make everything - especially the gravy - so much better!

Whether you cook your apples or eat them raw, enjoy! It is National Apple Month!