Shrunken Heads in Apple Cider

As I was browsing through Pinterest trying to find something fun to do for our Halloween party this year, I spotted Martha Stewart's link to "shrunken heads" in apple cider. They looked so cute so I gave it a try. I ended up amending the original recipe that Martha Stewart gives here, but I think it is easier to do it my way, and it turned out great!

***WARNING: This recipe does not tell you how to make cider, only the shrunken heads :)

Makes 4 heads.

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 medium sized apples
• 1 bottle of lemon juice (6.7 oz)
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1/2 cup water
• Cider
• Non-stick cooking spray

DIRECTIONS FOR HEADS

• Preheat oven to 250 degrees.
• In a medium sized bowl mix one bottle of lemon juice with water and salt. Set aside.

• Peel your apples. 
• Slice them in half down through the core. 
• Brush away any seeds
• Using a sharp paring knife, carve faces into the round side of the apples. Deeper is better.

• Dip the apples into the lemon juice mixture immediately after carving their faces. 
• Let soak for 30 seconds each and then place on a paper towel. 

• Spray your baking sheet with non-stick spray and place the apple's face up on the tray.
•  Let them bake for about 90 minutes or until golden/brown.
• Take out from the oven and let cool.  They may still be soggy but this will be fine. 

• Heat up your apple cider (bought mine in a jug) and plop the apple heads in!

• Enjoy as your guests are creeped out and fascinated at the same time.
• Receive multiple pats on the back for a job well done!