Apple Lore and Recipes

Sir Isaac Newton, it is said, discovered the laws of gravity when an apple fell upon his head.

Stuff and nonsense.

We all know that even for the great Sir Isaac, difficult problems require more than a hit on the head.

But nonetheless, we associate apples with Sir Isaac, and an apple tree still grows in his front yard at Woolesthorpe Manor, near Grantham, England. 

In honor of Sir Isaac, gravity, brilliance, and mathematics, we're going to share some wonderful apple lore and recipes with you, in this column.  (New recipes added frequently, and we'd love to share your favorite ones with our readers, too.  Please send them to us!)

~~~~~

Coleridge holds that a man cannot have a pure mind who refuses apple dumplings.  I am not certain but he is right.
  ~~ Charles Lamb   (1775 - 1834)

Apple Dumplings
4 apples;
1/2 c. sugar;
2 t. cinnamon;
2 c. water
1 batch pie crust dough;
another 1/2c. sugar;
cream (optional)

Peel and thinly slice apples, reserve peels.   Bring peels, water, and 1/2 c. sugar to a boil; simmer 20 min, then strain. Roll out dough into rectangle, and cut into six 5in squares.  Arrange apples on squares, sprinke with cinnamon and remaining sugar. Place apples in deep buttered dish, pour enough apple peel liquid to coer halfway.  Bake at 425 degrees F, basting once.  Serve warm, with fresh cream, if desired.