How 'Bout them Apples?
Fresh and flavourful ways to make the most of apple season
Pick the right apple
Not all apples are created equal. Choosing the right variety can make a big difference in flavour and texture.
For baking:
Choose firm apples that hold their shape in the oven, such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Braeburn or Pink Lady.
For cooking:
Try Granny Smith or McIntosh for sauces, soups and savoury dishes. Mixing sweet and tart varieties can add extra depth of flavour.
For eating fresh:
Crisp, juicy varieties such as Honeycrisp, Ambrosia, Gala and Fuji are perfect for snacking, salads and charcuterie boards.
Fresh tip:
Store apples in the refrigerator to help them stay crisp longer. Keep them away from other produce when possible, as apples release ethylene gas, which can speed up ripening.
Apple Walnut Salad
Ingredients
Salad
1 cup coarsely chopped walnuts, toasted ¼ cup red onion, diced 6 cups mixed greens or spinach 1 medium sweet-tart apple (Honeycrisp or Pink Lady are good choices), cored and sliced ½ cup dried cranberries ¼ cup roasted pumpkin seeds ⅓ cup crumbled feta cheese
Dressing
⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar 2 tbsp honey 1 tbsp mustard (yellow or dijon) ½ tsp salt Black pepper to tasteDirections
Combine the dressing ingredients and whisk vigorously until well blended. In a salad bowl, combine mixed greens and onion, drizzle with half the dressing, and toss gently. Arrange apple slices on salad, then sprinkle on cranberries, pumpkin seeds, goat cheese and walnuts. Drizzle remaining dressing and gently toss before serving.
Pork and Apple Meatballs
Ingredients
1½ pounds ground pork
⅔ cup Panko breadcrumbs
½ cup tart apple, grated
1 tsp. dried sage
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
¼ tsp ground allspice
1 large egg, lightly beatenDirections
Preheat oven to 450°F and position a rack in the upper third. In a large bowl, combine the ground pork, panko crumbs, apple, sage, garlic, salt, pepper, allspice and beaten egg. Mix gently with your hands until the ingredients are evenly incorporated. Roll mixture into roughly 24 meatballs (about 2 tablespoons each). Arrange on a foil or parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 15–18 minutes, until done and feel springy to touch.
Change to broil setting. Place pan on under broiler for 1–2 minutes to develop a golden top. Watch closely to avoid burning. Serve with mashed potatoes.
Apple Coffee Cake
Ingredients
1½ cups sugar½ tsp salt2 cups all-purpose flour½ teaspoon baking soda1 tsp cinnamon3 eggs, lightly beaten½ cup butter, melted1½ tsp baking powder2 tsp vanilla extract1 cup sour cream2 medium Granny Smith apples peeled, cored, and diced finely
Topping
¾ cup packed light brown sugar1 cup chopped pecans¼ teaspoon salt¾ cup all-purpose flour½ cup butter, melted½ teaspoon cinnamon
Glaze
2 tablespoons apple cider2 tablespoons butter⅔ cup packed light brown sugarDirections
Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
In a large bowl, mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, sugar, and cinnamon, combining well. Stir in melted butter, sour cream, eggs and vanilla until batter is smooth. Pour batter into prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Distribute diced apples evenly over batter.
In a medium bowl, prepare topping by combining flour, brown sugar, pecans, cinnamon, salt, and melted butter until crumbly. Sprinkle over apples.
Bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
While the cake bakes, make glaze by warming brown sugar, apple cider and butter in a saucepan over medium heat until fully melted and smooth. Drizzle glaze over freshly baked cake and enjoy either warm or cooled.