The snappy taste of a fresh apple is like biting into the crispness of fall weather. It’s apple season and Harvest Home markets are bursting with different varieties: crisp, juicy, tart or slightly sweet; all freshly picked by local farmers for the best flavor. Ask the farmers at the market about the varieties & storage of their apples or check this guide HERE.
High in fiber and low in calories, apples can help you control your weight. A recent study showed that eating an apple 15 minutes before a meal reduces the amount people eat, helps manage hunger & makes people feel more satisfied after a meal! Inside the juicy deliciousness of apples is lots of antioxidants and vitamin C to help reduce “bad” cholesterol for better heart health. A taste treat that makes you healthier!
Great in salads or mixed with veggies, not to mention desserts like apple pie and apple crisp! No matter how you cook them, they fill the house with the cozy scents of fall.
Make your own applesauce. (And you’ll say goodbye to store bought applesauce forever!)
● Peel & core 4 to 6 apples
● Slice them into a pan; add about 1/2 inch of water
● Cook for 10-15 minutes or until apples can be easily mashed with a fork
NOTE: Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Add more water if necessary
● Add a dash of cinnamon and a bit of sugar, if needed. Some apples are naturally sweeter than others so how much sugar depends on how tart your apples are. ENJOY!
Applesauce is good by itself or with chicken (See recipe below) or pork. When you bake, use applesauce instead of ½ the butter in a recipe for a lower calorie treat!
With so many tasty kinds of apples & so many ways to use them, that “apple a day” is not just easy, it’s fun to figure out new ways to eat it!
RECIPES: Pork Chops with Apples
INGREDIENTS
•2 Tbsp olive oil, divided
•3 4oz bone-in pork chops
•2 medium apples thinly sliced (Try Gala)
•1 small red onion thinly slice
•3/4 cup low sodium chicken stock
•1 tsp Dijon mustard or whole-grain Dijon
•1 Tbsp fresh sage chopped or 1 tsp dried
•1 1/2 tsp fresh rosemary chopped or 1 1/2 tsp dried
•1/2 tsp fresh thyme chopped or a pinch of dried
•1/2 tsp kosher salt
•1/4 tsp black pepper
TO MAKE:
•Season both sides of the chops with salt and black pepper. Heat 1 Tbsp oil to large heavy bottomed pan (or skillet), on MED-HIGH heat. Add chops to pan and sear 3-5 minutes per side, or until pork chops are mostly done. Chops will continue cooking in the sauce later. Remove pork chops to a plate.
•In a small mixing bowl, whisk together chicken stock and mustard, set aside.
•Add remaining 1 Tbsp oil to the pan, then add apples and onions. Cook 4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in salt, pepper, sage, rosemary, and thyme.
•Add stock mixture, gently scrape the bottom of the pan to release any brown bits (those are full of great flavor).
•Slide pork chops back into the pan, nestling them down in between the apples.
•Cook 2-3 minutes, until pork chops are finished cooking and liquid has reduced by half
TIPS & TREATS
Apple Cobbler: Fast, easy, low-sugar dessert
Use any apple - Macouns, Macintosh or Pink Lady are best because of their natural sweetness
What you need: Apples, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, salt, butter
How To Make:
•Preheat oven to 425°
•Fill a square 8 X 8 baking dish with cored and sliced apples. Sprinkle on ¼ teaspoon cinnamon, 1 teaspoon lemon juice and a teaspoon of sugar and mix.
•In a bowl combine 1 cup flour, ¼ cup brown sugar, 1 teaspoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon salt.
•Cut 6 oz of butter into small pieces and blend into flour mixture with your hands or a pastry cutter until mixture looks like coarse meal.
•Add ¼ cup boiling water . Mix with fork until just combined.
•Drop spoonfuls of the topping over the apples, spreading lightly with your fingers to cover the apples.
•Bake for 30 minutes or until topping is slightly brown
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
Comment below, follow up on social media and join our mailing list for healthy recipes and tips on how to prepare your meals!