Keep the Doctor Away With These Apple Recipes

My year is divided into four seasons, but they are not winter, spring, summer and fall. They are Navel Oranges, Strawberries, Tomatoes and Apples. So when September rolls around, my thoughts turn to apple orchards and all things Johnny Appleseed. Fresh, ripe, unwaxed apples right off a tree are the food of the gods. Jonathan, McIntosh, Honey Crisp, Golden Delicious, Jonagold…so tasty, so fragrant, so juicy, and the defining food of every autumn. Better for you than Pumpkin Spice lattes, warm apple cider on a cool October night is perfection. 

If you have never taken a trip to an apple orchard, or eaten apples that have not been in a grocery store, do it! Now! Take your kids and make it a family outing that everyone will enjoy. Most orchards offer “you pick” where you can pay for the privilege of harvesting your own; and while that might sound like you are getting the raw end of the deal, it’s a great lesson for kids who may not know that food is not conceived and born in a grocery store. 

While the experience of eating a fresh, right off the tree apple is not to be diminished, you can also do so much with apples beyond applesauce and caramel apples. Here’s some recipes for the adults and the kids to enjoy this Apple (aka Fall). 

Apple Beverages

Appletini’s are old hat! Try something new. Gin is making a surge in popularity these days, so why not try an apple and gin cocktail? We recommend mixing these drinks up in your home bar.

Snappy Apple Cocktail

Ingredients

4 oz fresh apple cider

4 ounces your favorite gin

1 oz lime juice

2 oz honey syrup*

Dash of cinnamon

Apple slices for garnish

Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice; shake well, strain and pour. 

Garnish with apple slice. 

*Honey Syrup – heat ¼ c. water in microwave to boiling, add ¼ c. honey and stir until dissolved. 

As American As Martini

Grandma’s apple pie was never like this! Or maybe it was…some grandmas are pretty feisty. Enjoy this creamy concoction using fresh apple cider for the best taste. 

Ingredients

1 ½ oz vanilla flavored liqueur

1 oz your favorite vodka

2 oz apple cider

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Dash lime juice

Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice; shake well. Strain into chilled glass and enjoy! 

Sweet and Salty Maple Apple Cider

Hot buttered rum, better. So much better. 

Ingredients

Maldon (flaked) salt

Half a lemon

1 Tablespoon butter, softened

2 Tablespoons real maple syrup

½ teaspoon real vanilla extract

4 oz dark rum

8 oz fresh apple cider

Pour some salt in a small saucer. Rub the rim of two mugs with the lemon and then dip in the salt. 

Blend butter, maple syrup and vanilla in a small bowl and set aside. Combine rum and cider in a pan and bring to a simmer and pour into mugs. Top each mug with half the butter mixture. Take a sip and sigh. 

For the kiddos…

Candy Apple Punch

Ingredients

1 ½ cups cranberry juice

1 ½ cups apple juice

1 ½ cups cold water

1 Teaspoon cinnamon candies

3 oz lemonade

Apple slices

Mix all ingredients together; stir in cinnamon candies. Garnish with apple slice. Can be served chilled or warmed. 

Fresh Apple Recipes 

Apple Harvest Salad

So good. Just…so…good. 

Ingredients

6 cups bagged salad mixed (any combo)

1 red apple, chopped

1 green apple, chopped

1 cup walnuts, chopped

1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese

1/3 cup dried cranberries

Mix together and top with 

Apple Vinaigrette

1 cup apple juice

4 teaspoons apple cider vinegar

2 Tablespoons honey

½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon pepper

¼ cup olive oil

Whisk together. 

Apples and Trees Salad

4 cups broccoli florets

2 large apples, chopped

½ cup dried cranberries

¼ cup chopped red onion

½ cup carrots, shredded

½ cup chopped pecans

Combine all ingredients. Top with dressing: 

Juice from half a lemon

½ cup mayo

½ cup plain yogurt

¼ teaspoon salt

Dash of pepper

Whisk together until creamy. 

Last, but never least…dessert! 

Apple Crisp with Salted Caramel

Yeah, that’s all you need to know. Apple. Crisp. Salted. Caramel. 

Preheat oven to 375°. Lightly grease 9x13 baking dish. 

Ingredients

Filling:

10 cups sliced apples 

1 teaspoon lemon juice

1 ½ Tablespoons flour

½ cup sugar

½ teaspoon cinnamon

½ teaspoon nutmeg

Toss the sliced apples with lemon juice. Combine flour, sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg. Sprinkle over apples and toss to coat. Place in prepared baking dish.  

Topping: 

1 cup flour

1 cup packed light brown sugar

½ cups quick oats

½ cup chopped pecans

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon cinnamon

½ teaspoon nutmeg

½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed

Combine flour, brown sugar, oats, pecans, baking powder, cinnamon and nutmeg in a large bowl. Using a pastry cutter or 2 forks, cut in the cold butter; mixture should resemble a coarse meal. Sprinkle over the apple mixture. Bake 45-50 minutes, until golden brown and apples are fork tender. 

Serve with a drizzle of caramel sauce, a few flakes of sea salt and a dip of vanilla ice cream, if desired. 

Enjoy Apple Season!