Cinnamon Apple Wreath

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
Straw wreath, 10 inches in diameter
8 (3 1/2-inch) cinnamon sticks
2 yards 3/4-inch ribbon
Glue gun and glue sticks
Silk leaves

Method:

Heat oven to 200 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.

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.