Apples are fantastic! Since the beginning of fall, I have been going to the farmer\'s market every weekend just to buy a new variety pack to experiment as there are so many ways to incorporate apples into everyday meals and snacks. To my biggest surprise, is the variety of tart or sweet apples at our disposal. I wish there were more apple trends than pumpkin spice whatever during this time of year, but I am going to be making it my objective to how apples can be baked, blended, sifted, and baked again.
Baked Apples
Baking apples is by far the easiest way to start the first leg of this journey. My recommendation is to slice apples into bite-sized cubes. I like to use 3 (really 2.5 apples from snacking) into nice pieces. Place the apples in a bowl. In the bowl, add juice from 1 whole lime, 1.5 to 2 tablespoons of cinnamon, and a pinch of salt and pepper to combine. The apples should be evenly covered and place in a 350F oven for about 30-35 minutes. Be sure to rotate the apples in the pan once or twice. Serve immediately and enjoy the nice aroma filling your apartment or kitchen!
Apple Sauce
Continuing on to the second motion, you can use the leftover apples for other applications. Personally, this is the super easy. Pour the leftover apples into a blender, food processor, or even something that you can mash your apples. I tend to add about ½ cup of water and pulse it in the blender for a moment or two. My first error was making it go to long. It came out perfectly more towards a liquid than chunky. Honestly, it is excellent with yogurt and some granola.
Fireball-Cider AKA “The Jolly Rancher”
Fireball whiskey combined with apple cider is the best thing drink as the seasons start to change. This drink or shot tastes exactly like an Apple Jolly Rancher. In keeping with my current state of apples and applesauce, I would continue to strain the homemade applesauce in a separate cup. From there you have a beautiful glass of apple juice at its most base form.
I am working on a couple new recipes such as homemade soda (and apple variant), apple crisps, paella, and a couple other fun surprises.