An apple a day...and then some rain

After a picture-perfect fall weekend, I'm sitting here listening to the pouring rain and bellowing thunder.  I'll take back my sunny Saturday thanks.  A fun day-trip upstate with old friends and some productive apple-picking at Mead Orchards in Tivoli, NY.  Now just to think what to do with almost 2 pecks of apples sitting in my kitchen, any suggestions?!
Pictures from the trip and an apple recipe to start simmering on...a simple apple compote, one of my stand-by favorites.

 my good friend Lisa knows a good apple when she sees it

 so that's how they gather all those apples...

 easy, light and delicious -- apple compote with bourbon & vanilla ice cream

Apple Compote

Makes 2 to 3 cups

3 granny Smith apples (or other tart apples like Crispin), peeled, cored and cut into 2” chunks

3/4 teaspoon cinnamon

1 teaspoon candied ginger, minced

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 cup water

1/4 cup bourbon

In a large saucepan or heavy-bottomed pot, combine all ingredients except bourbon and simmer for 20 minutes.  Add bourbon and simmer for an additional 5 to 10 minutes.  Compote should be slightly chunky.  Serve warm with vanilla ice cream.   

Images: Nourish 1-6, David Malosh 7