As parents of young children, eating a peaceful dinner out in public was nonexistent for us.   There were very few restaurants that Roddy and I would brave when our kids were little, but Chilis became our “go to” if we could muster up enough courage between the two of us.   Everyone loved the chips and chili con queso and as long as everyone stayed in their seat and no one vomited, we considered the venture a success.  A bigger challenge, the potato allergy caused all kinds of issues.  What is the most common side to your meal in a restaurant?  Yes, you guessed it, french fries!! Cinnamon Apples became the all time favorite substitute side order for Chris, and eventually for everyone in the family.

For years now, I have been making these Cinnamon Apples, either as a side dish to something pork or as a sweet dessert topping for vanilla ice cream.  Fond memories of my sweet Meme arise each time I serve a special treat in these vintage glass apple dishes.  As a child, I remember many of the delicious desserts she served in them, everything prepared with such loving, skilled hands.

Although worn and cloudy from use, I cherish these little dishes and the sweet memories from my own childhood.  I would certainly take those crazy days with little ones, anytime!

Honeycrisp apple season is finally here, let’s make some Fried Cinnamon Apples!

Fried Cinnamon Apples

Ingredients

3 large apples, peeled, cored and sliced

4 tablespoons butter

1/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, divided

pinch of salt

Directions

1. In a hot skillet, melt butter
2. Add sliced apples and fry for 2-3 minutes
3. Add sugar, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, lemon juice, and pinch of salt
4. Reduce heat and continue to cook until apples fork tender and sauce becomes slightly syrupy
5. Remove from heat and sprinkle the remainder of cinnamon over the apples
6. Serve warm as a side dish or over ice cream

*Sauce will continue to thicken when removed from heat.