As we head into the peak of apple season, it leaves us with bushels of apples to cook.
Since there are only so many raw apples we can cut, cook and season for snacks and lunches, we need some good recipes for all these amazing local apples we’ve harvested. From baked apples to apple pie, nothing beats homemade apple baked goods.
So gather up those freshly picked apples and get cookin’ in your beautiful new kitchen!
Dried Apples
Dried apples are incredibly easy and make for some amazing add-ons to oatmeal, cereals, cookies and more. They are easier to store, transport and perfect for snacking on the go.
Directions:
Core 1 small apple; slice into 1/8-inch-thick rounds. Arrange on an oiled baking sheet and bake at 200 degrees F until dry but still soft, 2 to 3 hours.
Apple Sauce
Apple sauce is a great choice if you have tons of apples lying around. You can also use your slow cooker for easier cooking and other fruit purees like strawberry and peach will jazz up a traditional applesauce like no other.
Directions:
Quarter 4 pounds apples. Simmer with 1 cup water, 3 tablespoons sugar and a pinch of salt, partially covered, until soft, 25 to 30 minutes. Pass through a food mill. Whisk in 2 tablespoons butter.
Apple Butter
If you’ve never had a bagel, biscuit or croissant with homemade apple butter, you’re missing out! This spiced apple spread is tart and sweet and makes great fillings for cakes and pastries.
Directions:
Cook 1/2 cup sugar in a large skillet until deep amber. Add 4 cups Applesauce (No. 7) and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon; cook, stirring occasionally, until reduced by half, about 30 minutes.
Wine Poached Apples
If you’re getting tired of the old baked apples or apple pie, this wine-poached apple recipe is a winner every time. Serve with yogurt or even ice cream for the ultimate fall treat.
Directions:
Boil 1 bottle red wine, 3/4 cup sugar, 1 cinnamon stick, 1-star anise pod and 3 strips orange zest in a medium saucepan. Add 4 peeled crisp, tart apples and simmer until tender, 30 minutes. Remove the apples; strain the liquid and boil until syrupy. Serve the apples and syrup over yogurt.
Apple Bruschetta
Apples don’t have to be sweet. This sweet and savory appetizer is perfect for the holidays and easy to whip up when you’re expecting company or even having a Halloween party.
Directions:
Cook 2 sliced onions in oil over medium heat until caramelized, 35 minutes. Add 3 tablespoons Calvados and cook until evaporated. Spread on baguette slices, top with apple slices and sprinkle with grated gruyere. Broil until the cheese melts.
Sausage & Apple Skewers
Sausage and apple are a perfect match. Whether you choose chicken or pork sausage, these skewers will always be a hit.
Directions:
Thread 1-inch chunks of apple, bratwurst and red onion on skewers; brush with oil. Grill over medium-high heat, turning, until lightly charred, 10 minutes.
The apple possibilities are endless!
Whether you’re choosing something savory or a dried snack to stir into your breakfast, freshly picked apples don’t have to always be a pie. With a few recipes up your sleeve, you’ll be able to make the most of all the amazing local apples you and your family have picked this season.
