5 Delicious Apple Recipes You Must Try

5 Delicious Apple Recipes You Must Try

When you think of apples, images of pie might dance in your head. But these versatile fruits are perfect for more than just dessert. From breakfast to savory main courses, apples can be the star of the show. Here are five delicious apple recipes that you must try, showcasing the apple's flexibility in the kitchen.

Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Pancakes

Start your day with a burst of flavor. These pancakes are a delightful way to include apples into your breakfast. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 cup of oats
• 1 cup of all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 large egg
• 1 medium apple, diced
• Maple syrup for serving

Instructions:

1. Mix dry ingredients (oats, flour, baking powder, and cinnamon).
2. In another bowl, combine the wet ingredients (milk, melted butter, and egg).
3. Combine wet and dry ingredients, then fold in the diced apple.
4. Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat, pour batter, and cook until bubbles form, then flip and cook until golden.

🍎 Note: Over-mixing the batter can lead to tough pancakes, so stir just until combined.

Apple Rosemary Pork Tenderloin

This dish is a savory-sweet delight, where the apple’s natural sweetness complements the pork:

• 1-2 pork tenderloins
• 2 large apples, sliced
• Fresh rosemary
• ¹⁄₂ cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Season the pork tenderloin with salt, pepper, and rosemary.
2. Heat olive oil in an oven-proof skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork on all sides.
3. Add apples around the pork, pour in the chicken broth, and transfer to a preheated 375°F oven.
4. Cook for 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
5. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

🍎 Note: Using Granny Smith apples can provide a tart flavor that balances the sweetness of the pork.

Apple and Kale Salad with Maple Vinaigrette

This salad is as nutritious as it is delicious, combining the crispness of apples with hearty greens:

• 4 cups kale, washed and torn into bite-sized pieces
• 2 apples, thinly sliced
• ¹⁄₂ cup walnuts, toasted
• ¹⁄₃ cup crumbled feta cheese
• For the dressing: ¹⁄₄ cup olive oil, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons maple syrup, salt, and pepper

Instructions:

1. Massage the kale with some olive oil to soften it.
2. Whisk together the dressing ingredients.
3. Toss kale with apples, walnuts, feta, and dressing.

Spiced Apple Soup

This unique soup features apples in a savory context, perfect for colder days:

• 6 apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional)
• Oil for sautéing

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, sauté onions and garlic in oil until translucent.
2. Add apples, spices, and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 15-20 minutes.
3. Purée the soup using an immersion blender or in batches in a blender.
4. Stir in cream if using, and adjust seasoning.

Apple Crumb Coffee Cake

End on a sweet note with this moist and crumbly coffee cake, perfect for any time of day:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 egg
• 2 apples, peeled and thinly sliced
• For the crumb topping: 1/2 cup flour, 1/4 cup sugar, 2 tablespoons butter, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Combine dry ingredients for the cake, then add milk and egg. Mix until just combined.
2. Pour half the batter into a greased 8x8-inch pan, layer apples, and then pour the remaining batter over the apples.
3. For the crumb topping, mix flour, sugar, butter, and cinnamon until crumbly, then sprinkle over the batter.
4. Bake at 350°F for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

These recipes demonstrate the apple's incredible versatility, from breakfast treats to savory mains, and ending with a dessert that will make your guests linger. Each dish not only celebrates the flavors of apples but also showcases the fruit's ability to enhance both sweet and savory dishes. Whether you're looking to make a quick breakfast or a leisurely dinner, these apple recipes are sure to delight.

What varieties of apples are best for cooking?

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Granny Smith and Braeburn apples are excellent for cooking as they hold their shape well and have a good balance of tartness and sweetness, ideal for both sweet and savory dishes.

Can I substitute other fruits for apples in these recipes?

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Yes, you can substitute pears or peaches for apples in many of these recipes. The texture and cooking time might vary, but they can provide an interesting twist.

How do I store apples to keep them fresh?

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Apples should be stored in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator where the temperature is consistent. Keep them away from other fruits and vegetables to avoid ethylene gas exposure which can ripen or spoil produce faster.