These aren't the spiced apples dyed with red food coloring that come in jars. These poached apples have a subtle scent of orange, cinnamon, and rosemary.

• Cut the apples into rings and rub the lemon juice on the apple rings.

• In a sauce pan, combine the water, cider, and sugar and heat over low to dissolve the sugar. Add the orange peel, cinnamon sticks, and rosemary and simmer for 5 minutes.

• Add the apple rings to the simmering liquid and place a piece of parchment paper over the surface of the liquid. Poke a few slits in the paper to let steam escape.

• Simmer the apple slices on low for 20 to 25 minutes, until tender. (Poke them with a paring knife to test for tenderness.)

• Remove from heat and let apple rings cool in poaching syrup. Refrigerate in syrup until ready to serve.