Today is Johnny Appleseed Day - Celebrate with Apple Cider Lollipops!

Since I grew up in - and currently live - in West Michigan, Johnny Appleseed was someone I learned about as a child! Today is Johnny Appleseed Day, so I thought it would be a fun day to share with you! 

So, first some background info I found on-line about Johnny Appleseed. "He was born in 1774 as Johnny Chapman, this nurseryman became a legend while he was still alive, because he grew apple trees and supplied apple seeds to the early American settlers. He was and still is a legend. During the movement out west, he traveled and planted apple trees along the way. There is said to be a link between him and Arbor Day. Johnny Appleseed Day is at times celebrated on both dates, because he was born on September 26th, 1774 and March 11th is believed to be the date of his death."

So, what could be a better way to celebrate than by making something delicious with apples? Rather than share a traditional apple recipe; such as one for pie - I'm sharing a recipe for Apple Cider Lollipops! I made these for my grandsons and my husband said they tasted like apple pie! The grandsons approved of this recipe so I'm sure I'll be making them again!

To make these sweet treats you need,

• 3 Tablespoons of corn syrup
• 1/4 cup of cider
• 3/4 cup of sugar
• 2 Tablespoons of butter
• Dash of salt

Combine ingredients in a pot and bring to a boil. Stir, then cook without stirring until it registers 325 degrees on a candy thermometer. While it is cooking, sprinkle cinnamon on the top and allow it to just mix on it's own. When it reaches 325 degrees, allow to stop boiling and then add 1 Tablespoon of cider. Spoon into lollipop molds and allow to cool. 

This is all there is to it . . . you can be sure you, your grandchildren, and anyone else who you give them to are all sure to enjoy them! Happy Johnny Appleseed Day!