December is a very busy month for the TWAM staff. There are children’s letters to mail, cards to send, sponsor payment books to make and post, as well as lengthy year-end reports for the IRS. At the same time, we are trying to fit our personal Christmas traditions into the mix. It’s a busy and pleasant time for most everyone!

Recently I purchased 20 pounds of Pink Lady apples from a nearby organic farm. Since apple pie is a favorite in my family, I’ve been making them very early in the morning before the sun rises. Eating a slice of luscious apple pie accompanied by a hot drink has been the perfect quick work break.

I make apple pie with maple sugar. For one pie:

Peel, core and thinly slice 6 cups of apples

In a separate bowl – mix together:

½ cup of pure maple sugar

3 tablespoons of flour

½ teaspoon cinnamon

Freshly ground nutmeg, to your taste

Pour dry mixture into prepared apples, stir to coat then pour into pie pan lined with pastry.

Drizzle about 2 tablespoons of pure maple syrup over apples. Take 1 tablespoon of butter and cut into 6 – 8 pieces. Scatter over apples before applying top crust.

Bake at 375 degrees for 45-55 minutes. Yum!!

PS. I order maple sugar from Hidden Springs Maple because of the quality and price.

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