Juice of 9 lemons
2 tsp. salt
8 to 10 lg. firm apples (Rome Reds or Ida Reds are preferred, or use any firm apple)
Ground spices: 6 tsp. cinnamon, 2 tsp. allspice, 1 tsp. cloves, 2 tsp. orrisroot powder (NOTE: Spices not only will add a pleasant aroma but also will act as a natural food preservative)
8 to 10 inch heart-shaped wire frame that can be opened or closed by unhooking two ends (or 8 to 10 inch length of heavy-gauge wire)
1 1/4 yd. of 1 inch wide blue & white checked ribbon
Floral wire
Sharp knife
Paper towels
Mortar & pestle or sm. bowl & spoon
Sm. kitchen sieve or tea strainer
Pastry brush
Broiler pan or wire screen
Pliers
Scissors

1. Pour freshly squeezed lemon juice into a medium-size bowl, add salt and blend well.

2. Peel and slice apples horizontally into 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick circles. Core apple slices as needed. Soak slices in the lemon-juice mixture for 6 minutes, turning once. Make sure slices are covered completely.

3. Remove slices from bowl and place on paper towels. Pat dry with more paper towels to absorb excess liquid.

4. Combine the ground spices and blend well, using a mortar and pestle or a small bowl and spoon. Using a small kitchen sieve or tea strainer, dust apple slices with the spice mixture. With a pastry brush, gently remove excess spice mixture. Turn apple slices over and repeat the procedure.

5. Place apple slices in a single layer on a broiler pan or wire screen. Dry in conventional oven at 150 to 200 degrees for 6 hours or until evenly dried. If using a microwave oven, dry apple slices for 4 to 6 minutes at low to medium heat. Let slices cool. If not dried thoroughly, return slices to oven. Apple slices will be pliable.

6. Straighten both ends of the heart-shaped wire frame with a pair of pliers. Fold apple slices into halves, then into quarters and "thread" them onto wire frame. When frame is completely covered with slices, use pliers to bend both ends back into "hooks" so they can be reconnected.

7. Using checked ribbon, make a large bowl with a loop for hanging. Attach bowl to wreath with a floral wire.