Spiced Applesauce Ornaments (Non-Edible)
I remember vividly the scent of cinnamon and cloves that would fill our home every December. Not from baking cookies, but from crafting these very spiced applesauce ornaments. My children, little hands dusted with cornstarch, would gleefully press cookie cutters into the fragrant dough. These weren’t just decorations; they were tangible memories we created together, year after year, adorning our tree and gifts with homemade love.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 12
- Dietary Type: Not applicable (Non-Edible)
Ingredients
- 1 cup applesauce
- ¼ ounce unflavored gelatin
- 2 ounces ground cinnamon
- 1 ⅓ cups cornstarch (starting with ⅓ cup and add as needed)
- 3 tablespoons ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
Equipment Needed
- Small saucepan
- Mixing bowl
- Countertop or clean work surface
- Plastic wrap or zip-lock bag
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutters (2-inch)
- Straw or plain pastry tip
- Wire rack
Instructions
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In a small saucepan, combine the applesauce and unflavored gelatin. Allow the mixture to stand for 3 minutes. This will allow the gelatin to bloom, ensuring it dissolves evenly.
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Heat the applesauce and gelatin mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it just begins to simmer. Be careful not to boil the mixture. Simmering is sufficient to dissolve the gelatin completely.
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In a separate mixing bowl, combine the ground cinnamon, cornstarch (starting with ⅓ cup), ground cloves, and lemon zest. Whisk together to ensure the spices are evenly distributed. This creates a fragrant base for the ornaments.
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Stir the heated applesauce mixture into the dry ingredients. Combine until a dough begins to form.
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Turn the dough out onto a clean countertop. Knead the dough a few times until it comes together into a smooth ball. You will likely need to add more cornstarch, a tablespoon at a time, during the kneading process to achieve the right consistency. The dough should be pliable but not sticky.
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Divide the dough in half. Wrap each half tightly in plastic wrap or place in a zip-lock bag. This prevents the dough from drying out and makes it easier to work with. Let the dough rest for about 30 minutes. This allows the ingredients to fully bind and the dough to become more manageable.
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Roll out one portion of the dough between two sheets of plastic wrap or on a lightly dusted surface (using cinnamon or flour). Aim for a thickness of approximately ¼ inch. Rolling between plastic wrap prevents the dough from sticking and provides a smooth surface.
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Cut out ornaments using 2-inch cookie cutters. Choose any shapes you like—stars, hearts, trees, or gingerbread men work wonderfully.
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Use a straw or plain pastry tip to create a hole in each ornament. This hole will be used to thread ribbon or string for hanging. Ensure the hole is large enough to accommodate your chosen ribbon.
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Dry the ornaments on a wire rack overnight, turning them occasionally. This allows air to circulate and helps them dry evenly. The drying process can take several days, depending on the humidity in your environment.
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Re-roll the scraps of dough and repeat the cutting and drying process as directed above. This minimizes waste and maximizes the yield of your ornaments.
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Get creative! Have fun and get the kids involved in this project.
Expert Tips & Tricks
- Consistency is Key: The dough should be firm enough to roll out without sticking, but not so dry that it crumbles. Add cornstarch gradually until you reach the desired consistency.
- Drying Time: If you want to speed up the drying process, you can place the ornaments in a very low oven (around 170°F or 75°C) for a few hours. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
- Prevent Cracking: To minimize cracking during drying, make sure the dough is evenly rolled out and the ornaments are not too thick. Turning them regularly also helps.
- Adding Fragrance: If the scent of the ornaments fades over time, you can refresh them by adding a drop or two of essential oils to the back. Cinnamon, clove, or orange essential oils work particularly well.
- Decorating: To add extra flair, consider using cookie cutters that create embossed designs in the dough. Once dry, these details can be highlighted with glitter or paint.
- Storage: Once completely dry, store the ornaments in an airtight container to protect them from moisture and dust. This will help them last for years.
Serving & Storage Suggestions
These spiced applesauce ornaments are not for consumption. They are intended for decorative purposes only.
- Serving: Use them to adorn your Christmas tree, decorate wreaths, or tie them onto gifts as unique gift tags. They also make charming favors for bridal showers or other special occasions.
- Storage: Once completely dry, store the ornaments in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. This will protect them from moisture and dust, ensuring they last for many years.
- Longevity: With proper storage, these ornaments can last indefinitely.
Nutritional Information
These ornaments are not intended for consumption, therefore, nutritional information is not applicable.
Variations & Substitutions
- Spice Variations: Experiment with different spice combinations to customize the scent. Ground ginger, nutmeg, or allspice can be added to the mix.
- Applesauce Alternatives: While applesauce provides the best base for these ornaments, you could potentially use other fruit purees like pumpkin or pear, but the results may vary in terms of texture and drying time.
- Natural Dyes: Add natural food colorings like beet juice or spinach powder to tint the dough for a more vibrant look.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: Are these ornaments edible?
A: No, these ornaments are strictly for decorative purposes and are not intended for consumption. They contain gelatin and spices that are not meant to be eaten in this form.
Q: How long does it take for the ornaments to dry completely?
A: Drying time varies depending on humidity, but it typically takes several days. Ensure the ornaments are completely dry and hardened before storing.
Q: Can I use different cookie cutter shapes?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to use any cookie cutter shapes you like. Smaller, simpler shapes tend to dry more evenly and quickly.
Q: What if the dough is too sticky?
A: If the dough is too sticky, gradually add more cornstarch, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a manageable consistency.
Q: How do I prevent the ornaments from cracking while drying?
A: To minimize cracking, roll the dough evenly, avoid making the ornaments too thick, and turn them regularly while they are drying.
Final Thoughts
Crafting these spiced applesauce ornaments is more than just a holiday project; it’s an opportunity to create lasting memories with loved ones. Gather your ingredients, embrace the delightful aroma of cinnamon and cloves, and let your creativity flow. These handmade treasures will add a touch of warmth and personal charm to your home and gifts for years to come. Don’t hesitate to share your creations and experiences with others! Happy crafting!