Apple Recipes for Samhain

Divination, or foretelling the future, usually involved apples and nuts at Samhain or Halloween (the Celtic end of summer and the beginning of Fall), most likely as they were being harvested at that time--especially in rural areas. Most asked questions were the identity of a future spouse, where would one live, and how many children would the couple have.

In light of that, here are some quick and easy Apple recipes to help with your Halloween festivities.
Crunchy Caramel Apples      Sweet & Tart Spreads    
Halloween Apple Pancakes

Crunchy Caramel Apples - makes 6

6 wooden craft sticks (found in cake decorating or hobby shops)
6 tart apples
1 package soft caramels
2 tablespoons water
2 Candy Bars that are crunchy or with nuts. Butterfingers, Health bars are good examples.

Wash apples and insert a wooden craft stick into the stem of each. Get a baking tray ready by lining it with wax paper. Chop up the candy bars and put aside. Using a microwave safe bowl, melt the caramels and water on high for two minutes. Stir, then repeat at 5 second intervals, stir, then heat--until all caramels are melted and the mixture is smooth. Dip an apple and quickly roll in the crushed candy. Work quickly but should the caramel mixture begin to firm up too much, just pop it back into the microwave for a few seconds. Place on the tray and repeat. When you are done with all the apples, refrigerate them for at least 45 minutes or until set. They are best served the same day but if you need to keep them, put them in an airtight container and refrigerate.

Sweet and Tart Apple Spreads

Tart Spread

1 8 oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened
1 c. grated cheddar cheese
1/4 c. mayonnaise
dash of sugar, salt and pepper
1 c. chopped apple with peel
1/2 c. chopped celery
1/2 c. chopped pecans or walnuts

Mix together the cheeses until well blended and smooth. Add all the rest of the ingredients and mix well. Serve with fresh veggies or crackers.

Sweet Spread

1/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 cup whipping cream
1 cup butter, softened

Mix all ingredients until smooth and well blended. Spread onto muffins, bread, sweet crackers, pancakes or waffles.

Halloween Apple Pancakes - makes 12 pancakes

2 cups sifted all-purpose flour
2 tbs. sugar
4 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
2 well beaten egg yolks
2 cups milk
2 tbs. margarine, melted
1 cup finely chopped apple, peeled and cored
2 stiffly beaten egg whites.
Powdered sugar

Sift together all the dry ingredients in a large bowl. Combine the mile and egg yolks in a smaller bowl. Make a well in the dry ingredients and slowly stir the wet mixture into the dry and stir well. Stir in the margarine and chopped apple. Gently fold in the egg whites and then let the batter rest for a few minutes. Cook on a hot griddle or in a large frying pan spreading the batter evenly. Remove from heat, spread with butter, and sprinkle with powdered sugar.