APLETS, A Copycat Recipe

Washington is known for its apples, and the Columbia valley from Canada to Oregon is pink and white with apple blossoms in early May. Our neighboring city, Wenatchee, is known as the Apple Capitol of the World, and 10 miles west of Wenatchee is Cashmere, home to Liberty Orchards, the makers of Aplets and Cotlets. Of course, these delicious candies cannot be duplicated exactly, but here is the best copycat recipe of all we tried.

Ingredients

• 1 c. grated golden Delicious apples
• 1 c. granulated sugar
• 1 c. light brown sugar
• 1 Tbsp. cornstarch
• 2 Tbsp. gelatin
• 4 Tbsp. water
• 1 Tbsp. lemon juice
• 1 tsp. grated lemon rind
• 1/2 tsp. rose extract (or 1 tsp. vanilla)
• 1 1/2 c. chopped walnuts

Directions

1. In saucepan over medium heat combine apples, cornstarch and sugar.
2. Bring to boil and boil 1 minute, stirring constantly.
3. Turn down heat and simmer 30 minutes stirring occasionally.
4. Remove from heat.
5. Add gelatin which has been softened in water and lemon juice and stir until thoroughly mixed.
6. Add flavoring, lemon peel, and walnuts.
7. Pour into 8"x8" buttered pan, and cool overnight.
8. Cut into squares and roll in mixture of 2/3 c. confectioners' sugar and 1 Tbsp. cornstarch. Or, put sugar and cornstarch into small paper bag, shake to mix.
9. Place 5 or 6 pieces of candy in bag and shake to coat thoroughly.
10. Repeat with rest of squares.
11. Allow to air-dry 24 hours before storing in refrigerator or freezer.

COTLETS

Follow Aplets recipe, but substitute diced dried apricots which have been soaked, drained and chopped fine.