Blushing Apples

Now here's an interesting recipe I found in the Kraft Food and Family magazine, the new fall issue 2006. I sounded interesting and looked good so I made it. It only has 5 ingredients and basically tastes like apple pie without the crust. It turned out pretty good. I didn't have Granny Smith, McIntosh or Golden Delicious apples so I just used the Red Delicious ones I had in the fridge. They were a little bigger than a "medium apple" so they needed to simmer a little longer than called for. I also served it with French Vanilla flavored Cool Whip, it added a nice touch. I give this recipe a 4.

2 pkg. (4-serving size each) JELL-O Brand Cranberry Flavor Gelatin
1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 qt. (4 cups) water
4 medium apples, such as Granny Smith, McIntosh or Golden Delicious
1/2 cup thawed COOL WHIP Whipped Topping

COMBINE dry gelatin mix and cinnamon in 3- to 4-qt. saucepan. Add water. Bring to boil on medium-high heat, stirring frequently until gelatin is completely dissolved.

PEEL and core apples. Add to gelatin mixture in saucepan; partially cover saucepan with lid. Return to boil. Reduce heat to medium-low; simmer 10 to 15 min. or just until apples are tender, gently turning apples every 5 min. Remove apples from liquid; reserve liquid for another use (see Tip below) or discard.

SERVE apples warm. Or, cool and store in tightly covered container in refrigerator at least 1 hour or overnight. Serve each apple topped with 2 Tbsp. of the whipped topping. Garnish with fresh mint, if desired.

TIP: After draining the cooked apples, pour the cooking liquid evenly into eight dessert dishes. Refrigerate at least 4 hours or until set for a refreshing JELL-O snack!