So.
A couple weeks ago, my saintly friend and darling Brother Z -- both of whom have mad kitchen skilz -- helped me make 88 caramel apples for my sister-in-law's wedding. (And by "helped" I really mean "did with virtually no assistance from me." My primary role was chasing my two slightly sticky toddlers around the TV). In case you've ever contemplated a similar feat, consider yourself warned: Such quantities of sticky ooze are not for the faint of heart! We took shortcuts -- following this recipe, rather than making our own caramel -- but it still took us more than an hour just to unwrap the stuff!
Anyway, caramel apples are great, but I'm a (relatively) low-maintenance gal, and I endorse treats that are similarly straightforward. Here are a few of my very favorite super-easy seasonal delights:
~OR~
These are not just five-ingredient simple, they are insanely delicious and classy. Our big brother makes them. He's a pretty impressive guy. But these definitely raise the bar.
~OR~
Mix two of these:
with one of these:
Don't add any eggs or butter; a pinch of cinnamon or pie spice is nice but not necessary.
Drop onto lightly greased cookie sheets and @375 until set but not brown.
~OR~
These are not just five-ingredient simple, they are insanely delicious and classy. Our big brother makes them. He's a pretty impressive guy. But these definitely raise the bar.
~OR~
Prepare this according to package directions
(If memory serves, it demands a stick of butter and an egg. Easy peasy.)
(If memory serves, it demands a stick of butter and an egg. Easy peasy.)
If you're feeling fancy, or have it on hand, add a pinch of cinnamon and/or cardamom, then press the dough into a buttered baking dish -- I've been using an odd little guy I discovered hanging around that is slightly smaller than a standard rectangular cake pan. Then, cover the top with a full bag of these bad boys
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| They sell this Moroccan-spiced Pistachio mix at the little grocer around the corner, but I've also seen them at Whole Foods. I think it's worth seeking them out, just so you can make this for your next Autumn picnic. It's a enigmatic melange of salted nuts, pepitas, sesame seeds, tiny bites of fig and -- wait for it -- harissa. When you put this spicy-salty-sweet on top of soft-chewy cookie bar, it is kind of insanely delicious. |
and bake @ 375 until it's puffed and a little golden around the nuts.
