Cinnamon Apple Wreath - cooking recipe

Ingredients

6 small apples, 2 1/2 inches in diameter
lemon juice or lemon-lime soda pop
wire racks
spray varnish, if desired
6 cinnamon sticks, 10 inches long
8 (3 1/2 inch) cinnamon sticks
3/4 inch ribbon, 2 yards
glue gun and glue stick
silk leaves

Preparation

IMPORTANT: You will also need 1 Straw wreath, 10 inches in diameter
Heat oven to 200\u00b0F
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.
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.
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.
Tips:
- Make the dried apples ahead of time. When it's time to make the wreath it will all come together in a snap.
- Pick up Rome apples for this project. With their pretty red skin and white flesh they are particularly nice in this wreath, though other types of apples are also attractive.