Homemade Apple Pie Filler

Though I have posted several recipes using apple pie filler, it did not dawn on me that I never posted the recipe itself until now...;) 

This is the recipe I like to use for all recipes calling for apple pie filler...You can also can or freeze this filler too.

6lbs of apples (peeled, cored, and cut up)

4 1/2 c. sugar
1 c. cornstarch
1 tsp. & 1 Tbs. ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp. all-spice
1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp. cloves
2 tsp. salt
10 c. water
3 Tbs. lemon juice

2 drops yellow food color

(you can add or subtract spices depending on your person taste)

In a large pot, mix sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves.  Add in salt and water, mix well!  Bring to a boil and then turn down heat and let simmer until thick and bubbly.   When you add the apples in depends on the tenderness of the apple that you want.  If you want your apples to be tender, add the apples in when you turn it down to simmer.  If you like them more crispy, add them in last.  Then add lemon juice and food coloring (if you'd like).

For canning, pack apples into hot jars, then fill jars with hot syrup.  Process 30 mins, 15lbs.

To make pies, in a 8 or 9 inch pie plate, line with pastry, fill almost to top of pie plate, cook for 25-30 minutes at 400 degrees.

Apple Enchilada Dessert

*I found and fixed this recipe for a Ladies Meeting tonight....will post what everyone thought of it  ={)*

1 (21 ounce) can apple pie filling (or homemade apple pie filler)
 ~Can also use blueberrys, cherries or any other kind of pie filler you like.

6 (8 inch) flour tortillas

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/3 cup margarine

1/2 cup white sugar

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 cup water

 1.Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).


2.Spoon fruit evenly onto all tortillas, sprinkle with cinnamon. Roll up tortillas and place seam side down on lightly greased 8x8 baking pan.


3.Bring margarine, sugars and water to a boil in a medium sauce pan. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring constantly for 3 minutes.


4.Pour sauce evenly over tortillas; sprinkle with extra cinnamon on top if desired. Bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes.


5.Makes 6 large tortillas; may be cut in half to serve 12.

Really Good Spinach Dip

It seems this time of year there's more "finger food" events than any other time of year...so I am posting my favorite Spinach dip recipe.  It's also quick and easy (and those are the kind I like the best!!!)

1 pkg. (10oz) frozen choped spinach, thawed and drained
1 cup of mayo
1 cup of grated parmesan cheese
1 clove of garlic, minced

HEAT oven to 350.

MIX all your ingredients together in a bowl. Put all the dip in a pie plate or quiche dish. 

BAKE 20 to 30 min. untiled heated through. Top with fresh chopped up red bell pepper.

Serve with Wheat Thins...or any kind of cracker that you like =)

Ravioli & Cheese Bake

I havn't posted anything in awhile...I've been so busy...with 4 kids it seems I just don't have much time.  But speaking of time, this recipe is a sure time saver.  It only takes about 5 minutes to prep and in the oven it goes!

I have had MANY rave reviews for this recipe...so here it is...

1 jar of spaghetti sauce of your choice (16 oz)

1 can petite diced tomato's (14.5 oz)
1 can reduced sodium beef broth (10 oz)
1/4 cup of Zesty Italian Dressing
13-16 oz pkg of  fresh or frozen cheese-filled ravioli
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  Combine spaghetti sauce, tomatoes with liquid, broth and dressing in a 13 x 9 dish.  Add ravioli; mix lightly, then cover with foil.

Cook in the oven for 50 to an hour until ravioli are tender.

Remove foil then stir, cover with mozzarella cheese and let stand for put back in oven till cheese is melted.  Then garnish w/ some parsley.

And walla!!!  You have a excellent and easy meal. 

To complete the meal, add a salad, bread sticks or garlic bread!  ENJOY ={)