Menus      Sites to See      Special Features      Contests      Poll      Subscriber Services

WHAT'S NEW

10 tasty ways to eat apples

Crisp, sour, soft or sweet: Explore the wonderful versatility of apples and get 10 great ways to use your bounty.

By Kat Tancock

It's easy to think that apples are great year-round -- until you take that first bite of a crisp, juicy, freshly picked apple and remember what they're supposed to taste like.

"Apples have it all," say Elaine Elliot and Virginia Lee, authors of the cookbook Apples: Recipes from Canada's Best Chefs (Formac, 2006). "In a fruit you cannot do better for taste, versatility, economy, nutrition and visual appeal than the apple."

With that in mind, here are 10 ways to make the most of fall's bountiful crop of apples, whether you're picking them yourself or purchasing them at your local market.

1. Applesauce
The classic way to preserve apples, applesauce makes a healthy and tasty treat at any time of year. Try heating and serving it alongside anything from French toast or crêpes to chicken or pork, eat it for breakfast mixed with yogurt and muesli, or dish it up with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. To make applesauce, stew chopped apples (peeled or not -- the choice is up to you) with a bit of water and sugar until cooked; add spices such as cinnamon if you like, and if you prefer smooth applesauce, puree with an immersion blender. Can it, freeze it, or eat it right away.

2. Baked apples
As a no-fuss dessert or breakfast side, baked apples can't be beat, and you can dress them up or down as you wish. Core one apple per serving and poke holes in the sides with a fork. Place in a baking dish with about a quarter inch of water and any desired additions: stuff with raisins or mincemeat, sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon or maple syrup -- get creative. Serve alone or with whipped cream or ice cream.

3. Apple cider
Look for fresh, locally produced apple cider in fall -- it's worth the effort. Serve as is in place of juice, dilute with sparkling water for a healthy and refreshing alternative to pop, or heat and spice for a wonderfully warming beverage.

4. Apple butter
Apple butter is simply a sweetened and spiced, thicker version of applesauce; a tasty spread to serve with breakfast dishes like toast, crêpes, French toast or pancakes. It's as easy to make as applesauce and, like applesauce, can be frozen or preserved for later.

Click to continue...

Page 1 of 2



1. Applesauce, baked apples, cider and apple butter
2. Cake, pie, savoury dishes, salads, soups and desserts
Articles

Printable chart: Making and baking fruit pies

Top 10 fruits and vegetables
More
Recipes

Apple-Cheese Muffins

Apple Crisp
More
Menus

4 perfect pear and apple recipes
Related articles
Printable chart: Making and baking fruit pies
Top 10 fruits and vegetables
A beginner's guide to winter squash
New in Food & Nutrition
10 classic comfort foods
Savoury chocolate cooking and recipes
Your all-time favourite Homemakers recipes
New on this site
Holiday eating truths and errors
10 holiday decorations for your home
Slideshow -- 10 Christmas gifts for foodies
Enter our contests


December Issue
Next Issue

All rights reserved: © 2008 Transcontinental Medias inc.
A Transcontinental 3W web site
Updating of web site content: Homemakers.com
Optimized for Internet Explorer 5, 800x600