Cinnamon Walnut Apples

These apples are so, so yummy.  They go great with breakfast (or breakfast-for-dinner which we do a lot) or along side pork tenderloin.  The tip is to not let them cook too long...we don't want applesauce here. 

Cinnamon Walnut Apples

4-5 large apples, preferably apples that hold up well when cooked...but whatever you have on hand will work too

2 TB butter

3 TB brown sugar

1 tsp. cinnamon

handful of chopped walnuts

1. Peel and core apples, cut each into 8 wedges.

2. Heat butter in a 10-inch skillet, until it just starts to brown.  Add apples--CAREFULLY!! cold, wet apples are likely to splatter in the hot butter. Saute apples, turning occasionally until they start to brown & caramelize on all sides.  

3.  Add the walnuts, cook stirring often until walnuts are fragrant, just a minute or two.  Sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon, tossing to coat completely.  Cook a few more minutes, just until apples are crisp tender.  Remove from heat & enjoy!

The Best Way To Eat Asparagus....in my opinion

Not much makes me more happy then when spring rolls around and the produce section is full of spring goodness.  Especially the asparagus. Yum. Oh, and the strawberries that actually taste like strawberries...more on that another day though.

Here is my all time favorite way to cook asparagus. It's quick. It's easy. It's so, so good.

Roasted Asparagus with Lemon
Oven: 350  Time: 30 minutes max

1 bunch asparagus, rinsed
Zest of 1/2 lemon
juice of 1/2 a lemon
salt
pepper
olive oil

1.  Preheat your oven to 350.  Snap the ends off the asparagus by pinching each end and bending gently, it will break where it needs to.  Set aside the bottom pieces, either to compost, make into stock or toss.

2. Arrange asparagus in a 8x8-inch baking dish.  Drizzle lightly with olive oil.  Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.  Sprinkle with lemon zest.  Toss to combine.

3. Put into a preheated oven and cook until crisp-tender, about 15 minutes.  This will depend on the thickness of your asparagus, the thinner the asparagus, the less time it will take to cook.  Just keep an eye on it.

4.  When asparagus is done remove from the oven, squeeze lemon juice over all and toss to coat.  Enjoy!

**This is equally yummy (if not more so) on the grill.  Follow instructions above, just place asparagus spears onto a preheated grill, turning every so often until done, instead of using the oven.