7 1/2 c. water
6 med. apples, washed, peeled, cored & sliced/quartered
1 1/4 c. sugar, divided
1/2 c. cinnamon hearts
3 drops red food coloring
3 tbsp. butter

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Combine apples with water in medium saucepan. Cover and cook over medium heat for 5 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of the liquid. Set aside.

Drain apples. Set aside in medium bowl. Combine reserved apple liquid, 1 cup of the sugar, cinnamon hearts and food coloring in small saucepan. Bring to a boil. Boil for 4 minutes, or until cinnamon hearts melt. Pour mixture over reserved apples. Let stand for 3 or 4 minutes. Remove apples with slotted spoon. Place in 1 1/2 inch deep baking dish. Pour 1/4 cup of the mixture over apples. Dot apples with butter. Sprinkle with remaining sugar. Bake at 375 degrees for 55 minutes to 1 hour or until apples look clear. Turn apples one time during baking. Serve hot or cold. May be frozen. Makes 6 servings.