Celebrate Grandparents Day on Sept. 9

SELAH, WA--(Marketwire - Aug 30, 2012) - For many, relationships with our grandparents are sacred. But what you may not know is there is a day dedicated to celebrating these special and often overlooked people. Annually, Grandparents Day falls on the first Sunday after Labor Day, this year landing on Sept. 9.

As gifts go, grandparents cherish those that are homemade. In honor of this precious holiday, Tree Top has developed a delicious and kid-friendly gift idea that will show grandma and grandpa how much they care!

STEP 1: Break out your apron and mixer! Grandparents won't be able to resist these yummy caramel apple oatmeal cookies. Moms and dads, remember kiddos will need your help in the kitchen -- supervision is a must.

Caramel Apple Oatmeal Cookies
Ingredients
Cookies:
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup quick oats
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
2 teaspoons lemon zest
3/4 cup salted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 large egg
1/2 cup Tree Top Natural Apple Sauce
1/2 cup maple syrup
1 cup chopped apples with peels
2 cups caramel chips

Icing:
1 cup powdered sugar
2 - 3 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon maple flavoring

Directions
Preheat oven to 300°F.

In a large mixing bowl, mix flour, oats, salt, soda, cinnamon, cloves and lemon zest. Mix well; add butter, sugar, egg, apple sauce and maple syrup. Mix until well blended.

Add fresh chopped apples and caramel chips. Mix until all ingredients are combined. Do not over mix. Dough will be soft.

Drop by rounded tablespoon-full onto greased cookie sheet about 2 inches apart. Bake 12-15 minutes until bottoms are golden.

Mix powdered sugar, milk and maple flavoring in small bowl until smooth. While cookies are still warm, ice with maple icing and let set.

STEP 2: Entice your grandparents by wrapping the cookies up in an extra special way! Some suggestions include:

• Place cookies carefully into a cellophane gift bag. Tie the top closed with bakers' twine.
• Place a sheet of parchment paper onto a sheet of tissue paper. With cookies in the middle, gather the edges and tie with bakers' twine. For extra decoration, cut a strip of card stock to wrap around the package as a decorative band.
• Cut an 8-by-8 inch square of tissue paper, and fold all four corners around the cookie. Seal with an extra-special sticker.

STEP 3: What gift is complete without a card? Make this one extra special with a poem written by Tree Top especially for grandparents on their special day.

Happy Grandparents Day to one of the best.
To have you in my life, I sure am blessed.
I hope you know you're the apple of my eye.
Here's a gift I made for you, give it a try!

STEP 4: Attach the card to the cookie package and give to your grandma and grandpa with a big hug!

For more Tree Top recipes, visit www.treetop.com.

About Tree Top
Since 1960, Tree Top has provided premium, quality juices, fruit based products and ingredients to consumers and most of the world's leading manufacturers. The grower-owned cooperative operates eight processing facilities in the heart of Washington's apple country, Oregon and California. With more than 1,100 growers, the co-op creates the widest array of fruit-based products and ingredients available on the market. Tree Top's passion and attention to quality and craftsmanship makes it the first choice for customers. For more information, visit www.treetop.com.