Cheesy Apple Bake

Today is Johnny Appleseed's birthday. I posted this recipe (using two of Wisconsin's favorite foods) as part of today's Friday Five at Rev Gals. It is easy and quick and the apple and cheddar flavors are just right for fall!

Next door to the church where I am the pastor is a home with an apple tree. Each year the tree is loaded with apples, and they mostly fall to the ground. I have no idea what kind of apples they are, but they are among the best I've ever tasted. They are crisp like a Granny Smith, but they are the perfect mx of tart and sweet. The skin is a mix of green and red, just like the one in the picture. I look at that tree and wish it was in my yard. Those apples would be going to good use, I can tell you! Later today I'm going to go pick a small basket full from the ground and make this recipe. It will be delicious with the pork chops that are waiting for the grill. Yum yum!

Cheesy Baked Apples

Ingredients:

4 medium apples - peeled, cored, and cut into eighths

1/4 cup water

2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice

2 Tablespoons sugar (or more, depending on tartness of apples used--Granny Smith's need at least 3))

1 Tablespoon flour

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Pinch of salt

1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

What to do:

Arrange apples in a shallow baking dish. Sprinkle with water and lemon juice. In a small bowl, combine sugar, flour, cinnamon, and salt. Sprinkle over apples. Bake covered at 350 degrees for 45 minutes or until apples are tender. Uncover, top with shredded cheese, and bake 5 minutes more or until cheese melts. Serves: 4 to 6. Great side dish with ham or pork.

Notes:

It can be made in a medium sized cast iron skillet with a cover. Bake on bed of coals with coals on the lid as well. Add coals as needed. Try adding raisins or craisins and a tiny pinch of cloves and a little more sugar for a sweeter dish. For a more savory dish, add 1/2 to 1 tsp. of curry powder and a sliced onion (baked along with the apples--with or without raisins).