Stars and Apples

 Also known as Carambola, the Star Fruit is native to Indonesia, Phillipines, Malaysia,  India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. It has been cultivated in many other countries, for hundreds of years. Once in a while, we see it here, when grocers are able to get the fruit.

 The entire fruit is edible, including the waxy skin.Ripe Carambolas are sweet, kind of like grapes, without being overwhelming. I think they are just beautiful, and use them to decorate. Makes everything more of a feast to the eyes.
      On the other hand, have found a new use for apples. This is a Potatoe/Apple dish I plop into the crock pot and let cook for hours, till dinner time. I use a number of potatoes and quartered apples, with the skin....better texture. I added a 1/2 cup of leftover wine ( you can use apple juice, but it's not the same. Add about a cup  of veggie broth, a cup of spaghetti sauce ( not canned tomatoes, real spaghetti sauce), a sprinkle of sugar, a pinch of kosher salt, a grind of pepper. Lastly add cilantro in the mix and let cook. The apples will soften to a nice consistency. So good a side dish or as a main.