Fall Recipes: Apple Harvest Punch

Well it is officially fall here in Northern Ohio and I couldn’t be happier about it. The windows are open, the knit sweaters are layered on, and I even have a candle or two lit. It means the welcome of fall fashion, fall leaves, and fall flavors (read: fall recipes and delicious fall baked goods).

I have two yummy fall recipes for you this weekend. One will be perfect for all of your entertaining into the holidays and the other, well, maybe more for a fun snack this weekend.

What You’ll Need: 

• 1 32 ounce bottle of Mott’s Apple Juice
• 1 can frozen berry juice**
• 1 liter sparkling soda (I used Fresca but Ginger Ale, 7UP or Sprite would work)
• 1 cup orange juice

**Growing up we typically used cranberry juice but all I could find at Walmart when picking up groceries was mixed berry and it turned out delicious! I also love the deep red color it gives the punch.

What You’ll Do

• Combine the apple juice, orange juice, and frozen concentrate. Mix well.
• Pour in the soda and add sliced apples atop for garnish if desired (it looks cute).

^we broke out our punch bowl for the first time since we’ve been married (in my defense my mother had it until last summer when they drove out to Ohio…) – I love using wedding gifts and remembering the friends that gave it to us and our special day in general

I adapted our favorite peanut butter blondie recipe to create these fall applesauce bars. They’re a little more cake-like and a bit less sweet but Ben’s had four since he’s been home from work (its been about 15 minutes). If you want even more of an apple treat, switch out the regular M&Ms for the limited edition Candy Apple flavor (they’re regular milk chocolate on the inside but the candy coating is apple flavored).

• 1/2 C butter (super soft or melted)
• 3/4 packed brown sugar
• 1/3 C Mott’s Apple Sauce
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1/8 teaspoon baking powder
• dash of salt (1/8 teaspoon works)
• 1 1/4 C flour
• 1/3 C M&Ms (or 1/2 if you’re feeling chocolatey 🙂

 

 

 

1. Cream/mix butter and sugar well. Add applesauce.
2. Add egg and vanilla and whisk together (don’t over mix here – did you know its important not to over beat eggs in baking or else your batter gets “tough”?)
3. Add all dry ingredients and stir together.
4. Spread on a greased pan and bake at 350 for about 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean (I like them a little gooey so bake longer if you don’t!)
5. Let them cool for a few minutes and serve warm with a cold glass of milk.