Red Hot Cinnamon Apples are one of my favorite side dishes for any dinner. They go great with poultry, beef or pork. My grandmother made these all the time and all my brothers and sisters loved them. This Red Hot Cinnamon Apples recipe has been around for ever in my family!
When I was a kid, my mom canned all summer long. Unlike today, strawberries were only available April through June. Then cherries and raspberries were ready to pick. In August it was time for peaches and pears. Then September and October were filled with applesauce, apple juice, apple pie filling and apple butter. During apple season we always made Red Hot Cinnamon Apples. I love to make these anytime, but they are wonderful for special dinners, too.
How to Make Red Hot Cinnamon Apples
1. Buy a 12 oz. package of red hots. Red hots are available year round. They are often packaged in a seasonal bag. I like to buy several bags and keep them in my pantry. Like most hard candy, they have a long shelf life.
2. Place all the candy in a sauce pan with the sugar. The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of water, but you do not need it. It is only in the recipe for those who are afraid the candy will start to burn on the bottom of the pan.
3. Peel, core and quarter 6-7 apples. I like my apples in chunks, but you can slice them any way you like.
When I took Red Hot Cinnamon Apples to a family gathering, my brothers and sisters all had different memories of how my grandma cut the apples. Many remembered that Grandma Bea sliced the apples thin and others of us remembered them being chunky like the picture above.
4. However you cut the apples, put them in the saucepan with the candy and sugar. The apples have enough liquid in them to melt the candy. Once the saucepan heats up, the apples will start to release liquid. Before you know it, you will have a cinnamon, candy syrup boiling and steaming the apples.
5. Bring the liquid to a boil. Turn the heat down and put the lid on the pan. Simmer the apples and candy for 20 minutes or until apples are tender. During the last five minutes of cooking, take the lid off the pan and continue to simmer the apples. You want some of the liquid to evaporate to create a thick, candy syrup around the apples.
6. Serve warm or cold.
These are so good with any meal, but I love them with turkey.
Let me know on Instagram or Pinterest if you make this. Post a picture and then tag me @dinasdiner. I want to know how it turns out.
Red Hot Cinnamon Apples
6-7 Apples, any variety will work
1 cup Sugar
3 Tbsp. Water
12 oz. Package Imperial Hearts
1. Peel, core and slice the apples.
2. Place the sugar and cinnamon candies in a saucepan.
3. Add the sliced apples and heat on medium heat.
4. When the mixture begins to boil, put the lid on and simmer for 20 minutes or until apples are tender.
5. Take the lid off and cook for 5 minutes longer to evaporate some of the water.
6. Use a slotted spoon to take the apples out of the pan.
7. Serve warm or cold.
