Step 1

Add the lemon juice to 2 cups of water.

Step 2

Peel and core apples - slice into 1/2 inch thick rings.

Step 3

Drop the apple rings in the lemon juice as you finish each one.

Step 4

Heat 1/2 cup of the remaining water and the cinnamon candies in a saucepan.

Step 5

Stir often until the candy is completely melted, adding water as needed to keep the syrup from getting thick.

Step 6

Add the guijillo chile (optional), whole cloves, and cinnamon sticks.

Step 7

Drain the apple rings and pat dry.

Step 8

Gently stir the apple rings into the syrup.

Step 9

Cover and simmer, occasionally stirring gently, for 15 minutes or until apples are tender.

Step 10

Add the rings to a storage container and cover with the cooking syrup.

Step 11

Cover tightly and refrigerate overnight, or about 8 hours. Remove the cloves and cinnamon sticks before using.

Step 12

Store unused apple rings in the refrigerator for up to a week.