The apple of our eye

Some info I got from Haven (the Edge magazine), what an apple can do for you ;


1. To absorb bad odours : simply slice a couple of apples and spread the pieces out on a plate or in a bowl. Place the receptacle in the enclosed space for a few hours. Replace the apple slices and repeat the process to remove lingering bad smells.

2. To soften hardened sugar (normally brown sugar) : place the sugar and a slice of apple in an airtight container or plastic bag and store in a cool dry place for two days. Then throw out the apple and store the softened sugar in its usual container.

3. To ripen fruit : just by placing one ripe apple with every five unripe fruits in a loosely closed paper bag for two to three days.

4. As a candlestick holder : if you are using a standard tapered candle, use an apple corer to carve a hole almost 3/4 of the way down into the apple. Then simply insert the candle into cored hole. If you choose to use votive or tea light candles, use a sharp paring knife to neatly cut out the space required from the top of the apple before inserting the candle.

5. As a decor accent : simple tumble apples into an attractive bowl or basket for a quick or impromptu centerpiece. Another way is to use them to fill clear glass cylinders. Use red apples, orange or green apple for a burst of color.