An Apple a Day, Right?

This morning, my angel Tristan shouts out "Mommy, everybody wants to go to heaven, but no one wants to go now." I laugh & smile because I hear Kenny's video playing that song. That's right, baby, that's right.

So, until then, here's some heaven right here on earth. 2 apple-y recipes today! I made these Apple & Thyme Martinis, from Giada, for my parents when they came over on Sunday. My Dad was good at one but Mom & I had a couple. They are very unique & I loved the earthiness to it from the thyme. I should call these Apple & Thyme Will Tell because we couldn't stop gabbing.

APPLE & THYME MARTINIS

Ice
10 ounces vodka
6 ounces apple juice
1/4 cup thyme syrup, recipe follows
1 large apple, peeled
4 fresh thyme sprigs

Fill a shaker with ice. Combine the vodka, apple juice & thyme syrup. Pour over ice & shake for about 10 seconds. Divide between the 4 chilled martini glasses. Use the melon baller to scoop out small balls of apple. Place 3 balls of apple & 1 sprig of thyme in each glass for garnish. Serve immediately.

Thyme Simple Syrup:
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup water
5 large sprigs fresh thyme

In a saucepan combine sugar, water, and thyme over medium heat. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer until the sugar has dissolved, about 5 minutes. Take the pan off the heat and cool the syrup. Any extra cooled syrup can be saved in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Click Here for Printable Recipe

GRILLED APPLES WITH BACON & CHEDDAR

My best friend Tammy, who I am so blessed to have living a couple miles away, told me about these cute little things from Rachel Ray. I told her to make them first & let me know. She brought me some & I LOVED them. The sweetness of the apple with the saltiness of the bacon coupled with the savory cheese is a beautiful wake up call to the tastebuds. You must try these. The kids might love 'em too!

3 large, firm apples, such as gala, cored & sliced crosswise 1/4 inch thick
Juice of 1 lemon
1 pound bacon
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 bunch scallions, green parts only, chopped

Preheat a grill or grill pan. In a resealable plastic bag, combine the apples & lemon juice.

In a large skillet, cook the bacon until crisp. Drain on paper towels, then coarsely chop.Grill the apple slices until grill marks form on the bottom, about 2 minutes. Flip & top each slice with bacon, cheese & scallions. Cover & grill until the cheese is melted, about 2 minutes.

To reheat leftovers, I suggest microwaving for a few seconds just to get the chill out from fridge, then placing under broiler until browned & sizzling.

Next time I may thinly slice cheddar from the cheese blocks sold in the supermarket, just for easier handling.

Click Here for Printable Recipe