Yogurt Biscuits & Apple Butter

Day Light Saving time was first conceived in an essay called “An Economical Project” by Benjamin Franklin while he was in Paris in 1784.  As well, while abroad, he supposedly consistently asked his wife Deborah to ship him barrels of apples because he believed that “An Apple a Day Keeps the Doctor Away”. Therefore, just in the nick of time after Day Light Saving Time has arrived, here are two recipes that besides being delicious, take no time what-so-ever to make; so these tasks will SAVE you time and you will be able to enjoy some home made delights at your leisure even during the evening’s brighter hours.

Yogurt Biscuits

Makes about 20 really good ones

2 Cups all purpose flour

1 Scant Tblsp. Salt

3 Tsp. Baking Powder

1 Tsp. Baking Soda

2-5 Tblsp. Butter (more are better and I use the 5)

1 Cup Plain Yogurt

1. Preheat Oven to 450.

2. Mix the dry ingredients in a bowl and cut in the butter. (I use 2 knives to cut the butter, as taught in my 8^th grade home-economic class and then I use my hands because the butter really needs to be thoroughly blended; or do it the easy modern way– in a food processor)

3. Stir in the yogurt till well blended.

4. Drop tablespoons of dough (and I use my hands to form a nice little flat ball) on a parchment lined cookie sheet.

5. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or till golden brown on the tops.

They are best devoured within 15 minutes, however, I think that they are still good later in the day and they seem to freeze just fine.  I warm them up at room temp.

(My inspiration for these comes from Mark Bittman.)

Apple Butter

Makes about 2 cups

1/2 Cup Water or Apple Juice

1 Tsp. Cinnamon

3/4 Cup Sugar

1 Half-Inch Slice of Lemon

1/4 Tsp. Allspice

1/2 Tsp. nutmeg

1/4 Tsp. Cloves

1/8 Tsp. Salt

1 lb. Well-Flavored Green Cooking Apples, Peeled, Cored, and Cut Into 1/8’s

(The stores are full of them at the moment.)

1. Into a blender/processor put all of the ingredients. Cover and blend on high for 15 seconds.

2. Pour into a saucepan and cook over very low heat for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the butter thickens. .

3. Pour into appropriate containers and keep in the refrigerator or into hot jars and seal.

Margot is a self-taught enthusiastic & passionate cook. Having been an inn-keeper for 5 years at her own inn, she accumulated a lot of good recipes which she loves to share. For comments, questions, and ideas please feel free to email her:margot6@mindspring.com.