1803 Missouri

Berry Rose Warfield was eighteen years old when she arrived at the village of St. Louis on the Mississippi River. With only her gentle stepmother beside her she left the wagon train to search for her father's claim and brave an unforgiving frontier. Trappers, rivermen, riffraff and savages stood between her and her land. Spunky and mouthy, Berry was fast with a musket and slow to believe in a man. She was determined to prove that she was a match for the hardworking cynical trader who fell in love with her, temper and all.

1. Slice apples into thin slivers or core and slice into rings.
2. If in rings, string on a cane pole and set out in the sun until the slices are brown and rubbery.
3. This usually takes three days to a week.

1. Cook apples in a little water.
2. Add sugar and cinnamon or nutmeg.
3. Roll pie crust out on a floured board. Cut in circles by tracing around a saucer or small bowl. Place a large spoonful of apple mixture on one side of the circle. Fold over and pinch tightly to seal. Cut three or four small gashes in the top to let out steam. Fry in a small amount of grease in a shallow skillet until brown on both sides. Sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon.