There are certain foods that will take me immediately back to childhood. The smell of a filled trick or treat bucket, the sight of ice cream with chocolate sauce, the sound of popping corn…and this, the taste of a spiced apple ring fresh from the jar. It was a pretty fancy meal when these showed up on the table. They haven’t shown up on my table lately, even with a fancy meal. I could hunt them down I suppose at a local grocery store but in my mind, homemade is better…and I have an abundance of apples from an apple picking adventure. I gave it a shot. I think I hit a bullseye.

The Usual Cast of Characters

2 pounds apples, MacIntosh – Granny Smith – Honey Crisp – any firm fleshed apple that holds its shape when cooked

3 cups water

2 cups cinnamon candy, Red Hots or Cinnamon Imperials – any hard cinnamon candy

1 tablespoon whole cloves

2 cinnamon sticks

1/4 cup of lemon juice

The Steps to Glory

1. Add the lemon juice to 2 cups of water.

2. Peel and core apples – slice into 1/2 inch thick rings.

3. Drop the apple rings in the lemon juice as you finish each one.

4. Heat 1 cup of the remaining water and the cinnamon candies in a saucepan.

5. Stir often until the candy is completely melted, adding water as needed to keep the syrup from getting thick.

6. Add the whole cloves, and cinnamon sticks.

7. Drain the apple rings and pat dry.

8. Gently stir the apple rings into the syrup. Cover and simmer, occasionally stirring gently, for 15 minutes or until apples are tender.

9. Add the rings to a storage container and cover with the cooking syrup.

10. Cover tightly and refrigerate overnight, or about 8 hours. Remove the cloves and cinnamon sticks before using.

11. Store unused apple rings in the refrigerator for up to a week. Freeze for longer storage.

Inspire me Monday. Tuesday at our house. Inspire me Tuesday . Metamorphosis. You’re the Star. Tuesday with a twist. Wonderful Wednesday. Keep in touch. Beautifully made. Party in your pjs. Wednesday blog hop. Your whim. Share your style. Home and garden. Waste not. Grandma’s House DIY. Vintage charm. Friday features. Friendship Friday. Funtastic Friday. Grace at Home Thursday favorites. BFF open house. Morning Cup Of Joe. Home matters. . Create bake grow. . Snickerdoodle. Happiness is homemade. Silver pennies. Create with joy. Over the Moon Creatively crafty Senior salon. Turn about Tuesday Wednesday Aim Home style gathering celebrate your story Little cottage Saturday Sparks Farmhouse Friday All About Home Flaunt it Friday Pink Saturday encouraging hearts and home fresh farm Wednesday Centerpiece. Dare to share. Doodle-buddies. Simple homestead what’s for dinner