What To Do With Apples Besides Making Apple Pie

When thinking of a fall ingredient, apples are usually the first thing that come to mind. Most likely because there is such a great abundance of them during this time of year and, let's be honest, who doesn't love apple pie? OK, there might be some of you out there. But whether you don't like it or want new, creative ways to use apples in cooking, we've come up with eight recipes for you to experiment with. 

Apples come in a variety of colors and though they are available year-round, they're best in the fall when they are just harvested. Look for apples without any bruises or brown markings. They should be firm, not mushy, with a fresh smell. If you're buying apples in bulk and are looking for some to eat raw and cook with, then it's a good idea to go for all-purpose apple varieties like Fuji, Golden Delicious, Braeburn, Cortland, Granny Smith, Gala, Jonagold (not good for baking whole), Honeycrisp, McIntosh (though not good for long cooking times), and Pink Lady. Of course, play around with your favorite apple varieties and you'll soon learn what you like to bite into and what you'd rather cook with.  

If you don't want to use apples for any of these dishes, then use them to ripen fruits like avocados, peaches, or pears by placing them together inside a brown paper bag. (Placing the bag in a dark drawer also helps to speed up the ripening process.)

 

Braised Leg of Lamb with Stewed Apples and Polenta

As soon as September 1st hits, I switch immediately into fall mode...

— Claire Bullen

 

 

Chicken and Granny Smith Apple Salad

What makes a good salad? When discussing this with my sister the other night, we decided that one aspect...

— Yasmin Fahr

 

 

Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Muffins

This Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Muffins recipe is super basic — and dairy-free!

— Valaer Murray

 

 

Fettucine with Apples, Prosciutto, & Mascarpone

When apples come into season in the Northeast, it takes all the willpower you have not to devour every last one...

— Maryse Chevriere

 

Apple Cranberry Crisp

Apple season is here! For me, there is no better dish to celebrate the glory of apples than a warm apple crisp...

— Carly Goldsmith

 

 

Cinnamon-Cherry Applesauce

As a young child, my first word, before "mom," "dad," or even "dog," was "apple."

— Allison Beck

 

 

Mom's Apple Cake

I hate red apples. Their texture is mealy. They're never crisp. They don't provide the crunch that Granny Smith apples do...

— Arthur Bovino

 

 

Roasted Butternut Squash and Apple Soup with Cumin-Dusted Pita Chips

With fall in the air and school in session, apples and pumpkins begin to fill the produce aisles...

— Marité Acosta