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Apples again! I was reading the introduction in one of my apple cookbooks about apple legends and folklore and I had a lot of laughs. There are many myths about the apple, the symbol of love and beauty, according to the Greeks and Romans. They talk about kings, gods and goddesses of one kind or another. I decided not to share more of that with you as it was too involved.

However, you'll get a smile out this Scandinavian myth. The Scandinavian gods, so the story goes, had an incredible apple tree with fruit that kept them young. (Wouldn't I like to get a hold of those apple seeds!) Bad news -- the tree was stolen by the evil spirit Loki and the Scandinavians became old and feeble. Everything in the country went wrong until the tree was returned, and guess what -- they became young again. My moral for this story is -- if you bought an apple tree from a Scandinavian nursery, you had better guard it with your life, lest you want to get old and feeble. And, how on earth does one steal an apple tree, bring it back, and have fruit grow again? That's why it's called a myth. I have lots of apple recipes so I'll continue with more myths next week.

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How about a "healthy" bar for the kids to have with a glass of milk after school or for you with a cup of coffee or tea.

APPLE CEREAL BARS

1-1/4 c. packed brown sugar

1/2 c. shortening

1/4 c. milk

1 egg

2 c. whole grain Total or Raisin Bran cereal, crushed

1-3/4 c. flour

1 t. baking soda

1-1/2 t. cinnamon

1-1/2 c. peeled, chopped apples (about 2 medium)

1/2 c. raisins

In a large bowl, beat together first four ingredients, mixing well. Stir in next four ingredients; mix in apples and raisins.

Spread evenly in a lightly greased 9x13 inch baking pan. Bake at 350 degrees 25-30 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean; cool completely. Cut into bars. Makes about 36 bars, depending on how big you cut them.

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This recipe uses apples in a different form.

APPLESAUCE OATMEAL MUFFINS

1-1/2 c. rolled oats (quick or old fashioned)

1-1/4 c. flour

1 t. baking powder

3/4 t. baking soda

3/4 t. cinnamon

3/4 t. salt

1 c. thick applesauce

1/2 c. milk

1/2 c. packed brown sugar

3 T. oil

1 egg

Line muffin cups with paper liners; set aside.

In a large bowl, combine first six ingredients; mix well. Add next five ingredients; mix just until dry ingredients are moistened. Fill muffin cups almost full (3/4 full).

TOPPING

1/4 c. oats

2 T. brown sugar

1 T. margarine or butter, melted

1/4 t. cinnamon

Combine topping ingredients; sprinkle evenly over muffins before baking.

Bake at 350 degrees for 20-22 minutes. Let muffins sit in tin for 10 minutes. Transfer to wire rack. Serve warm.

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How about a snack that's not quite so sweet.

SPICED APPLE BAGEL

6 T. cream cheese, softened (can use lite)

2 honey-wheat or plain bagels, split

6 T. finely diced apples

2 T. raisins

2 t. brown sugar

scant 1/2 t. cinnamon

1/8 t. nutmeg

Combine cream cheese, apples and raisins in small bowl. Spread on bagel halves.

Combine sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg; sprinkle over top of cheese mixture.

Put bagels on a baking sheet; broil 6-8 inches from heat for 2-3 minutes or until hot and bubbly. Be sure to watch so they don't burn. Makes two servings.

NOTE: You can make the cream cheese mixture and the topping ahead of time and put them together when you want to serve them. They are really yummy.

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My mom made bread puddings a lot because they not only tasted good, especially in cooler weather, but they are inexpensive to make and you always had the ingredients on hand. This recipe is exceptionally good.

APPLE BREAD PUDDING

4 c. soft bread cubes, crusts removed (can use white or whole wheat)

1 c. peeled, diced apples

2 c. very hot milk

2 T. butter, melted

3 eggs

1/3 c. honey or 1/2 c. sugar

1 t. vanilla

1 t. cinnamon

1/4 t. nutmeg

1/4 t. cloves

1 t. fresh grated lemon rind or 1/2 t. dried grated lemon rind

In a bowl, mix bread with apples; set aside.

Combine rest of ingredients in another bowl; beat with electric hand beater. Fold into bread mixture. Spoon into a buttered 2 qt. casserole. Set dish in a larger pan of hot water with water coming half way up side of casserole.

Bake at 350 degrees for one hour or until knife inserted in center comes out clean. Spoon into serving dishes. Serve with whipped cream or ice cream. Makes 6-8 servings.

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Perhaps you noticed that all of these recipes have cinnamon as an ingredient. Apples and cinnamon go so good together. I found this information in a report from the USDA's Human Research Center in Maryland that was quite interesting: "Slash your cholesterol with cinnamon. A half-teaspoon of cinnamon each day could cut your triglycerides and total cholesterol by 12-30 percent while it boosts your body's ability to store blood sugar."

So, sprinkle it on your morning coffee, toast or oatmeal, and make and eat all of these recipes.

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Thought for today: There is only a slight difference between keeping your chin up and sticking your neck out, but it's worth knowing.

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