Cinnamon Apple Wreath

Adorn your door with this festive holiday wreath and welcome your guest with apples, cinnamon spice and everything nice.

Makes 1 wreath

6 small apples, 2 1/2 inches in diameter
Lemon juice or lemon-lime soda pop
Wire rack
Spray varnish, if desired
6 cinnamon sticks, 10 inches long
Straw wreath, 10 inches in diameter
2 yards 3/4-inch ribbon or 8 (3 1/2-inch) cinnamon sticks
Glue gun and glue sticks
Silk leaves

1. Heat oven to 200 degrees F. Cut apples lengthwise from stem end through core into 1/4-inch slices. Dip apples into lemon juice to prevent browning; place on wire racks. Carefully place wire racks on oven rack. Bake 4 hours.

2. Remove wire racks from oven and place on heatproof surface. Let apples stand about 2 hours or until completely dry. Place dried apples on waxed paper. Coat each side with 2 light coats of spray varnish, following manufacturer's directions.

3. Tie 10-inch cinnamon sticks together. Attach to front of wreath with 6 inches of the ribbon. Glue dried apple slices and 3 1/2-inch cinnamon sticks to front and side of wreath, using glue gun. Attach leaves to ribbon on 10-inch cinnamon sticks. Make a bow with the remaining ribbon, and attach to wreath. Attach wire hanger if desired.

Recipe and photograph provided courtesy of Betty Crocker 2007/TM General Mills All Rights Reserved