If you haven’t been out to your nearest orchard for apples, pick soon. The apples have made their way into every dish and salad on our menu at home, and we cooked several pounds today resulting in a sweet apple compote.

This would be the time to find your apple slicer if you happen to have one. I love my apple slicer (most excellent 2012 Christmas gift) because it does all the work: peels, cores and slices.

Prep your apples by hand or with a slicer (8-10 medium apples) and toss them into a slow cooker. Add 1/4 cup sugar, 1 teaspoon pure maple sugar, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Stir to coat apples and cover. Cook on low heat for 3 hours. Try this chilled or enjoy a warm apple compote.