The Apples of Autumn

Moving states, acquiring my first apartment, starting a new job - it's been a busy fall and a tiring one, and I've fallen behind on almost everything except reading reams of children's books. LJ comments, correspondence, grad school applications - all fallen by the wayside! Mea culpa.

But I'm starting to get my energy back! It's been over a week since I've wanted to collapse asleep directly after supper.

I've had the energy, even, to cook exciting new dishes for dinner, rather than falling into an endless round of chicken rice soup and scrambled eggs. Thus I bring to you a recipe, for apples that taste like autumn.

4 cups sliced apples (McIntosh, Jonagold)
1/3 cup apple juice (water will also do)
3 T madeira or sherry (if the sherry is dry - or you end up using white wine, as I did - add a little brown sugar to sweeten.)
2 tsp butter
1 cinnamon stick, or a pinch of powdered cinnamon

Combine all ingredients in a saucepan. Cover and bring to a boil; then simmer, still covered, for fifteen minutes. Uncover, and cook until the liquid is very syrupy - about thirty minutes more. Then remove the cinnamon stick, and eat!

Not only does it taste delicious, but it will make your kitchen smell amazing.