APPLE IN MY EYE RECIPES

Steps:

• Combine 1/2 cup sugar, 2 tablespoons water, and lemon juice in a medium skillet over high heat. Continue heating mixture, without stirring, until sugar has dissolved. Slowly tilt the skillet back and forth until sugar is caramelized and is the color of dark amber, 4 to 5 minutes.
• Remove skillet from heat and carefully add apple cubes, arranging them in a single layer. Place the skillet over medium heat and allow the apples to simmer in the caramel until they slowly begin to darken and absorb the caramel, about 5 minutes.
• Remove skillet from heat and sprinkle apples with vanilla and salt. Let stand, without stirring or moving apples, until all the caramel has been absorbed, 10 to 15 minutes.
• Meanwhile, in a small saucepan over medium heat, combine apple juice, vinegar, and remaining 2 tablespoons sugar. Bring mixture just to a boil and immediately reduce heat to medium-low. Continue cooking until liquid has reduced by half, about 20 minutes.
• To serve, divide apples evenly between 4 plates. Place a small scoop of ice cream next to the apples. Sprinkle apples and ice cream with cheddar cheese crumbles. Drizzle apple-balsamic reduction onto the plates or directly over the ice cream. Serve immediately. Reprinted with permission from Elizabeth Falkner's "Demolition Desserts: Recipes from Citizen Cake" by Elizabeth Falkner. Copyright 2007. Published by Ten Speed Press.

Steps:

• In a large bowl, combine the crackers, sugar, pecans and cinnamon; stir in butter. Press onto the bottom of a lightly greased 9-in. springform pan. Place pan a baking sheet. Bake at 350° for 10 minutes. Place pan on a wire rack., In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs; beat on low speed just until combined. Stir in vanilla. Pour over crust. Toss apples with lemon juice, sugar and cinnamon; spoon over filling. Return pan to baking sheet., Bake for 55-60 minutes or until center is almost set. Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Carefully run a knife around edge of pan to loosen. Drizzle with 4 tablespoons caramel topping. Cool for 1 hour. Chill overnight., Just before serving, garnish with whipped cream. Drizzle with remaining caramel; sprinkle with pecans. Store in refrigerator.