Apples

While there are far more varieties of apples than many other fall produce, I would just use what looks good to you.

So here are the two recipes I think are the best for apples without going into a pie (which I will in November).

Baked Apples:

Serves 4

Ingredients:

4 medium to large apples, any variety you like, I use Granny Smith, Gala, or Fuji

4 cinnamon sticks-optional, but beautiful and sooo tasty

4 Tbs dark brown sugar, you can use light brown if you have it

1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

1 tsp REAL vanilla extract (I'll teach you how to make your own, it's way easier than I thought)

1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (I like buying a whole one but it's your call)

vanilla bean ice cream-optional

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line a round cake pan with 2 layers of foil. Wash your apples. Lay an apple on it's side, on your cutting board. Cut off the top inch or so with the stem. It makes an apple hat. use a melon baller to scoop out a cavity inside the apple base. Do this to each apple. Mix the sugars, spices and vanilla in a small bowl and using a spoon, divide it among the apple cavities. Pack it tightly inside. Replace the apple tops. If using cinnamon sticks, pierce them each through one apple top into the apple, to keep it in place. Put the apples in the foil lined pan and bake for about 35 minutes, until easily pierced with a knife.

Place the warm apples in a bowl with a scoop of ice cream and top with the syrup in the pan.

Easy Apple Salad

This salad is is so easy and it goes really well with so many fall and winter foods. I really like it served with pork.

Ingredients:

1 bag of mixed salad greens or baby spinach

1/2 of a small red onion, finely chopped

1/2 cup chopped pecans

1 large apple, cored, and chopped

Poppyseed Dressing, I use Brianna's

Chill all ingredients well and prior to serving, toss with dressing. Easy.