Apples are the trademark fruit of fall, and with the many varieties to choose from, there is an apple that is sure to please any palate. They can be included in both sweet and savory dishes and are delicious and incredibly healthful. We all have heard the saying, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” While they aren’t a cure-all, apples are packed full of polyphenols, antioxidants, vitamin C, B vitamins and fiber. Make the most of autumn’s best produce and the flavors of fall with these simple recipes.
Elevated Grilled Cheese
This take on the classic grilled cheese is sure to satisfy your fall cravings.
Ingredients:
· 1/4 red onion, sliced
· 2 tablespoons brown sugar
· 1 tablespoon olive oil
· Sliced sourdough bread
· 1-2 tablespoons butter
· 4 ounces Brie, sliced
· Fig jam, or preferred choice of jam
· 1 Granny Smith apple, sliced
· Arugula
· Thinly sliced ham, optional
Instructions:
Heat olive oil in the skillet and add sliced onions. Cook for a few minutes and then add brown sugar. Sauté until soft. Set aside. Butter the outside of the sourdough bread. Next, spread jam on the inside of both slices. Add cheese, apples, onions and arugula. If using meat, add as well. Top with slice of bread and grill in skillet on both sides.
Apple Chutney
This Indian-inspired dish is the perfect fall topping for pork chops and also pairs nicely with ham.
Ingredients:
· 4 tablespoons butter
· 2 cups Granny Smith apple, chopped
· 1/4 cup pecans or walnuts
· 1/3 cup apple juice
· 3 tablespoons brown sugar
· 3 tablespoons dried cranberries
· 1 teaspoon lemon juice
· 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
· 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
Instructions:
Heat butter in saucepan, then add remaining ingredients. Cook over medium heat until the sauce has cooked down and the apples are tender. Serve over pork chops.
Apple Galette With Caramel Drizzle
Easier than pie but with all the same textures, this gooey warm dessert is sure to please.
Crust Ingredients:
· 1 1/2 cups flour
· 1/4 cup sugar
· 1/4 teaspoon salt
· 1 stick cold unsalted butter, cubed
· 1/4 cup iced cold water
Filling:
· 2 apples, peeled and sliced into thin slices
· 1/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
· 1 1/2 tablespoons flour
· 1 1/2 teaspoons lemon juice
· 1 teaspoon cinnamon
· 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
· Caramel sauce
Instructions:
Crust:
(Note: If running short on time, store bought crust works great, too.)
Mix flour, salt and sugar together in a bowl. Cut in the butter. Add water and mix until moistened. Lightly knead the dough and then form into a ball. Next, flatten dough into a thick circular form and refrigerate for one hour.
Filling:
Mix the apples, flour, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg and brown sugar together in a bowl.
Assemble and Bake:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll the dough into a circle and set on parchment paper. Arrange apples in center of dough, leaving about one inch of space for the edges. Fold crust over the apples and press to seal edges. Drizzle with caramel sauce and sprinkle with pecans or walnuts. Bake for 35 minutes. Serve with caramel sauce and ice-cream.
Apple Cider Bourbon
This easy fall cocktail is festive and delicious. Served hot or cold, it is a crowd pleaser.
Ingredients:
· Apple cider (hot or cold)
· 1 1/2 ounce bourbon or whiskey
· 1/2 ounce honey
· 1/2 ounce lemon juice
· Cinnamon
· Apple slice
Instructions:
Add all ingredients in a cocktail shaker and shake. Serve over ice and garnish with cinnamon stick and apple slice.