Caramel Apple Bars

Caramel and apples is an inspired combination. I always see recipes for caramel apple desserts, but have never found one that actually tastes like caramel apples. I thought caramel apple bars might be a good way to combine the two and still be caramel-y and apple-y. I took an oatmeal crumble-type topping and used it for the crust. Then I spread chopped Granny Smith apples over the crust and drizzled melted caramel over the apples (you could probably use caramel topping, too). I sprinkled more of the crumble topping on the top and baked it until golden.

I waited for them to cool to cut, but I recommend scoring them while they're still a little warm. This was exactly what I was looking for- yummy tart apples with caramel in a dessert form! they're easy and fast!

Caramel Apple Bars

yield: 36 bars

1 c brown sugar packed
3/4 c butter softened
1 1/2 c quick oats
1 1/2 c flour
1/2 t salt
3 medium tart apples finely chopped
3 T flour
1 pkg caramels, unwrapped

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

Combine first 5 ingredients in large bowl. Reserve 1 1/2 c of the mixture. Press the remaining in an ungreased 13"x9" pan. Toss apples and flour together in a bowl. Spread over oatmeal mixture. Place caramels in microwave safe bowl. Microwave on med-high for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally until melted. Drizzle over apples. Sprinkle remaining oatmeal mixture over the top and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden. Cool partially on rack; cut while warm. Store covered in refrigerator.

Peach Cobbler

A few months back, I won a cookbook from Chef Pandita. Awesome, right? It was Abby Dodge's Desserts 4 Today, a collection of dessert recipes with only 4 ingredients. There are some great recipes in there, and one that I wanted to try was her Peach Cobbler. This easy, quick recipe uses phyllo dough instead of making a traditional cobbler topping. This was a perfect late summer dessert, and could be used with any stone fruit- apricots, plums, nectarines.

Peach Cobbler with Phyllo Topping
adapted from Abby Dodge's Desserts 4 Today
1/4c + 1 1/2T cinnamon sugar
8 sheets frozen phyllo dough, thawed
6 ripe peaches
2T all purpose flour


Arrange 1 sheet of phyllo dough on surface and lightly spray with cooking spray. Sprinkle with about 1/2t cinnamon sugar. Repeat for the rest of the layers of phyllo.
Starting at the short side, roll up the layers jelly-roll style. Using a sharp knife, cut roll into 1-inch slices. Put slices in a medium bowl and gently toss until the strips are separated and loose.
Heat oven to 400 degrees F.
Cut peaches into quarters. Put peaches, remaining 1/4c cinnamon sugar and flour in an 8" baking dish. Toss well. Spread phyllo strips over the fruit and bake until phyllo is golden and peaches are tender, about 30-35 minutes. Cool on rack 15 minutes before serving. Top with ice cream.

Fruit Crisp

Love family. Love summer. Love summer family reunions. I made this Fruit Crisp for a family reunion we had in the canyons. Beautiful setting, great people, great food!

Ingredients

adapted from allrecipes.com

1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries

1 cup fresh cherries

2 cups fresh blueberries

2 tablespoons white sugar

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 1/2 cups rolled oats

1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 1/2 cups butter

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

In a large bowl, gently toss together blackberries, raspberries, blueberries, and white sugar; set aside.

In a separate large bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cut in butter until crumbly. Press half of mixture in the bottom of a 9x13 inch pan. Cover with berries. Sprinkle remaining crumble mixture over the berries.

Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes, or until fruit is bubbly and topping is golden brown.

TWD- Cran-Apple Crisps

Ok, are fresh/frozen cranberries really in the grocery store? I know it's (early) November, but my stores didn't have them in yet. Dorie says she makes this in October when cranberries arrive.
Hmm.
So I just used apples and the dried cranberries. It did need another berry, though, because it was a little dry. I did a little math and only made two of these since my husband is out of town and my parents, who were in town, left last weekend.This is a great quick and easy crisp recipe. The topping (as with all crisps I've ever had) was my favorite part- I loved the addition of coconut. Check out Em's blog for the recipe. And be sure to bookmark it- it's one of my favorites!