How to make a spicy dried apple wreath.

Spicy Dried Apple Wreath
Thanks to http://www.vickichicagomarsh.com for this craft idea and photo.

Materials:

Juice of 9 lemons 2 teaspoons salt 8-10 large firm apples

Ground spices:

6 teaspoons cinnamon 2 teaspoons allspice 1 teaspoon cloves 2 teaspoons orrisroot powder (found at natural food stores) 8-10-inch heart shaped wire wreath frame that can be opened or closed by unhooking the two ends (or make you own with a 10-inch length of heavy gauge wire)

We began by pouring freshly squeezed lemon juice into a bowl, adding the salt and blending well. We then peeled, cored and sliced the apples horizontally into 1/4-inch thick circles. We placed the slices into the lemon juice mixture for 10 minutes, turning once. (Be sure that slices are covered completely with the lemon juice). After removing the slices from the bowl, we placed them on paper towels and patted them dry to absorb excess liquid.

Next, we combined the ground spices well and dusted the apple slices on both sides with the mixture, using a small strainer. After gently removing excess spice mixture with a pastry brush, we placed the slices in a single layer on a broiler pan. We placed them in a 150-200º oven until they were evenly dried, which for us took about 6 hours. We allowed the slices to cool on the pan. At this point, the apple slices will be pliable.

After straightening both ends of the heart-shaped wire frame with a pair of pliers, we folded the apple slices into halves, then into quarters, and threaded them onto the frame. When our frame was completely covered with slices, we used pliers to bend both ends back into hooks and reconnected them.We added a pretty bow made from ribbon with a loop for hanging to the top of our wreath.

This wonderfully scented wreath looks lovely hung on an entryway door or on an inside wall, and will fill your home with it's spicy scent until Thanksgiving.

Yummy, I can smell it from here! Hope you enjoy this free craft recipe.

Until next time...God Bless,

Celene