As the leaves change colors and the air grows crisper, apples become a staple in many households. Whether you have a few trees in your backyard or simply love buying them in bulk, you’re probably wondering what to cook with lots of apples. From sweet treats to savory meals, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll explore the many uses of apples in cooking and provide you with some delicious recipe ideas to try.
The Versatility of Apples
Apples are an incredibly versatile fruit that can be used in a wide range of dishes, from desserts to main courses. They’re a great source of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, making them a healthy addition to any meal. With over 7,500 varieties to choose from, you can experiment with different flavors and textures to find your favorite.
Choosing the Right Apples
Before we dive into the recipes, it’s essential to choose the right apples for the job. Different varieties are better suited for specific uses, so here’s a brief guide to help you make the right choice:
- For baking and cooking: Choose firmer apples like Granny Smith, Fuji, or Honeycrisp. These varieties hold their shape well when cooked and provide a nice balance of sweetness and tartness.
- For salads and snacking: Opt for sweeter apples like Gala, Golden Delicious, or McIntosh. These apples are crisp and juicy, making them perfect for fresh eating.
- For making applesauce and apple butter: Use a combination of sweet and tart apples, like a mix of Gala and Granny Smith.
Apple Desserts
Who doesn’t love a warm apple pie or a crispy apple crisp? Apples are a staple in many desserts, and for good reason. They add natural sweetness, texture, and flavor to any sweet treat. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Apple Pie
A classic dessert that’s perfect for any time of the year. To make a delicious apple pie, you’ll need:
- 6-8 medium-sized apples, peeled and sliced
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix until the apples are evenly coated. Roll out a pie crust and fill it with the apple mixture. Dot the top with butter and cover with another pie crust. Brush the egg wash over the top crust and bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
Apple Crisp
A simpler alternative to apple pie, apple crisp is a delicious dessert that’s perfect for a weeknight treat. To make an apple crisp, you’ll need:
- 6-8 medium-sized apples, peeled and sliced
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix until the apples are evenly coated. Transfer the apple mixture to a 9×9-inch baking dish and top with the rolled oats, brown sugar, and cold butter. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender.
Apple Cider and Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider and apple cider vinegar are two delicious byproducts of apples that can add flavor and nutrition to your cooking. Here are a few ways to use them:
Homemade Apple Cider
Making your own apple cider is a simple process that requires just a few ingredients:
- 3-4 bushels of apples
- 1 gallon water
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (optional)
Combine the apples and water in a large pot and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 20-30 minutes, or until the apples are soft. Mash the apples with a potato masher or a fruit press to extract the juice. Strain the juice through a cheesecloth or a fine-mesh sieve to remove any sediment. Add the brown sugar, if desired, and stir to combine.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a healthy alternative to traditional vinegar that’s rich in probiotics and antioxidants. To make your own apple cider vinegar, you’ll need:
- 1 gallon apple cider
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup active dry yeast
Combine the apple cider, sugar, and water in a large pot and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the sugar has dissolved. Remove the pot from the heat and add the active dry yeast. Stir to combine and transfer the mixture to a glass jar. Cover the jar with a cloth and let it sit in a cool, dark place for 2-3 weeks, or until the mixture has fermented and turned into vinegar.
Apple Salads and Snacks
Apples are a delicious addition to any salad or snack. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Autumn Salad
A hearty salad that’s perfect for the fall season. To make an autumn salad, you’ll need:
- 2 medium-sized apples, diced
- 1/2 cup mixed greens
- 1/2 cup diced butternut squash
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Combine the mixed greens, diced apples, butternut squash, red onion, blue cheese, and walnuts in a large bowl. In a small bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar and olive oil. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
Apple and Almond Butter Wrap
A healthy snack that’s perfect for on-the-go. To make an apple and almond butter wrap, you’ll need:
- 1 medium-sized apple, sliced
- 2 tablespoons almond butter
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 large tortilla
Spread the almond butter and honey on the tortilla, leaving a small border around the edges. Arrange the sliced apples on top of the almond butter mixture. Roll up the tortilla and slice in half.
Apple Main Courses
Apples can add flavor and moisture to a variety of main courses. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Pork Chops with Apples and Onions
A delicious and savory dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. To make pork chops with apples and onions, you’ll need:
- 4 pork chops
- 2 medium-sized apples, sliced
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onions and cook until they’re softened and caramelized. Add the sliced apples and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Brush the mixture over the pork chops and place them in the skillet. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the pork chops are cooked through.
Apple and Sausage Stuffed Acorn Squash
A hearty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for the fall season. To make apple and sausage stuffed acorn squash, you’ll need:
- 2 medium-sized acorn squash
- 1 pound sweet Italian sausage
- 1 medium-sized apple, diced
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the acorn squash in half and scoop out the seeds. In a large skillet, cook the Italian sausage over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Add the diced apple and cook until it’s tender. In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley. Stuff each acorn squash half with the sausage and apple mixture, followed by the breadcrumb mixture. Place the squash on a baking sheet and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the squash is tender and the filling is golden brown.
In conclusion, apples are a versatile fruit that can be used in a wide range of dishes, from sweet treats to savory meals. Whether you’re looking for a delicious dessert or a healthy snack, apples are a great choice. So next time you’re wondering what to cook with lots of apples, try one of these delicious recipe ideas and enjoy the flavors of the season.
What are some popular apple varieties for cooking and baking?
When it comes to cooking and baking with apples, some varieties are better suited than others. Popular choices include Granny Smith, Fuji, and Honeycrisp. Granny Smith apples are known for their tart flavor and firm texture, making them a great choice for pies and crisps. Fuji apples are sweet and crunchy, making them perfect for salads and snacking.
Honeycrisp apples are also sweet and juicy, with a unique texture that makes them great for snacking and adding to oatmeal or yogurt. Other varieties, such as Golden Delicious and McIntosh, can also be used for cooking and baking. The key is to choose a variety that suits the recipe and desired flavor profile.
How do I choose the right apples for my recipe?
Choosing the right apples for your recipe depends on the desired texture and flavor. For example, if you’re making a pie, you’ll want to choose a variety that holds its shape, such as Granny Smith or Fuji. If you’re making a sauce or butter, you can use a variety that’s sweeter and softer, such as McIntosh or Golden Delicious.
It’s also important to consider the ripeness of the apples. Apples that are too ripe can be too soft and may not hold their shape in recipes. On the other hand, apples that are too green may not be sweet enough. Choose apples that are firm but yield to pressure, and have a sweet aroma.
What are some tips for storing apples?
Apples can be stored for several months if kept in the right conditions. The key is to keep them cool, dry, and away from light. A root cellar or basement is ideal, but a cool pantry or cupboard will also work. Apples should be stored separately, as they can absorb odors and flavors from other fruits and vegetables.
It’s also important to check on the apples regularly and remove any that are rotting or spoiled. This will help prevent the rest of the apples from spoiling. Apples can also be stored in the refrigerator, but they may lose some of their flavor and texture.
How do I make a delicious apple pie?
Making a delicious apple pie starts with choosing the right apples. Look for a variety that’s tart and firm, such as Granny Smith or Fuji. Next, make a flaky pie crust using a combination of all-purpose flour, cold butter, and ice water. Roll out the crust and fill it with a mixture of sliced apples, sugar, flour, and spices.
Bake the pie in a hot oven until the crust is golden brown and the apples are tender. Let the pie cool before serving, and consider serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. The key to a great apple pie is to use high-quality ingredients and to not overmix the filling or crust.
What are some other delicious apple desserts?
In addition to apple pie, there are many other delicious apple desserts to try. Apple crisp is a classic, made by topping sliced apples with a mixture of oats, sugar, and spices, and baking until golden brown. Apple cake is another popular choice, made by mixing grated apples with sugar, flour, and spices, and baking in a Bundt pan.
Other options include apple tarts, apple bread pudding, and apple cobbler. Each of these desserts showcases the flavor and texture of apples in a unique and delicious way. Consider experimenting with different varieties of apples and spices to find your favorite combination.
Can I use apples in savory dishes?
Apples can add a delicious sweetness and crunch to savory dishes. Consider adding sliced apples to salads, such as a spinach salad with blue cheese and walnuts. Apples can also be used in savory sauces and chutneys, such as a apple cider jus to serve with pork or chicken.
Apples can also be used in savory main dishes, such as a hearty apple and sausage stew. Simply chop the apples and add them to the pot along with the sausage, onions, and spices. The apples will add a sweet and tender element to the dish.
How do I make apple cider?
Making apple cider is a simple process that requires just a few ingredients and some basic equipment. Start by choosing a variety of apples that’s sweet and tart, such as a combination of Granny Smith and Fuji. Wash and chop the apples, then feed them into a juicer or blender.
Strain the juice through a cheesecloth or fine-mesh sieve to remove any sediment or pulp. The resulting cider can be enjoyed hot or cold, sweetened with sugar or honey if desired. Consider adding spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg for extra flavor.