Secret Ingredient Of the Week: Apples

This week's secret ingredient is.... Apples 🍎🍏! These juicy, versatile fruits are the true stars of fall. They can be sweet, savory, and everything in between. Whether you're a novice cook or a seasoned chef, apples offer endless possibilities to impress yourself and your guests. Let's dive into some incredible recipes that make the most of this secret ingredient of the week.

Recipe 1: Classic Apple Pie

What's fall without the warm, comforting classic apple pie?

Ingredients

• 6 cups thinly sliced apples
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Pastry for double-crust pie
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 tablespoon water

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Mix the sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Sprinkle over the apples.
3. Place bottom crust in your pie pan and fill with apple mixture. Dot with butter.
4. Cover with top crust and seal edges. Cut slits in top for steam to escape.
5. Beat the egg yolk with water. Brush over crust.
6. Bake for 15 minutes, then reduce the heat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 40-45 minutes.

Recipe 2: Apple Cinnamon Pancakes

Start your day with a stack of fluffy apple cinnamon pancakes!

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 egg
• 1 1/4 cups milk
• 3 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 apple, peeled and grated
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. In a bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
2. In another bowl, mix egg, milk, melted butter, grated apple, and vanilla.
3. Combine wet and dry ingredients and mix until just blended.
4. Cook on a hot griddle until bubbles form, then flip and cook until golden brown.
5. Serve with your favorite syrup.

Recipe 3: Apple and Cheddar Grilled Cheese

If you've never combined apples and cheddar, you're in for a treat!

Ingredients

• 2 slices of your favorite bread
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1/2 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 apple, thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon honey
• A pinch of black pepper

Instructions

1. Butter one side of each bread slice.
2. On the unbuttered side of one slice, layer cheese, apple slices, honey, and black pepper.
3. Top with the second slice, buttered side out.
4. Cook in a skillet over medium heat until golden brown and cheese is melted.

Recipe 4: Savory Apple and Onion Tart

A savory tart that's sure to impress at any gathering.

Ingredients

• 1 frozen pie crust, thawed
• 2 large apples, thinly sliced
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
• 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a skillet, sauté onions in olive oil until golden brown.
3. Arrange apple slices on pie crust, top with sautéed onions, thyme, cheese, salt, and pepper.
4. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until crust is golden and apples are tender.

Recipe 5: Apple and Butternut Squash Soup

Warm your soul with this cozy, creamy soup!

Ingredients

• 1 butternut squash, peeled and cubed
• 2 apples, peeled and chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh thyme for garnish

Instructions

1. In a large pot, sauté onion in olive oil until translucent.
2. Add squash and apples, and cook for 5 minutes.
3. Pour in vegetable broth, bring to a boil, then simmer for 20 minutes.
4. Blend until smooth, stir in coconut milk, and season with salt and pepper.
5. Garnish with fresh thyme before serving.

Recipe 6: Apple and Kale Salad

This salad is a powerhouse of flavor and nutrients.

Ingredients

• 4 cups chopped kale
• 2 apples, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup walnuts
• 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine kale, apples, walnuts, blue cheese, and cranberries.
2. Whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper.
3. Toss salad with dressing and serve immediately.

Recipe 7: Spicy Apple Chutney

This chutney adds a zesty punch to any dish.

Ingredients

• 4 apples, peeled and chopped
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 cup raisins
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Instructions

1. Combine all ingredients in a pot.
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 45 minutes.
3. Stir occasionally until thickened.
4. Cool before serving.

Recipe 8: Apple Stuffed Pork Loin

Sink your teeth into this juicy, flavorful pork loin.

Ingredients

• 1 boneless pork loin roast (2-3 lbs)
• 2 apples, diced
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Butterfly the pork loin and layer with apples, pecans, breadcrumbs, and parsley.
3. Roll up and tie with kitchen twine.
4. Season with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
5. Roast for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).

Recipe 9: Apple Muffins

These muffins are moist, fluffy, and perfect for breakfast or a snack.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 apples, peeled and chopped

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a muffin tin.
2. Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
3. In another bowl, whisk eggs, oil, and milk.
4. Combine wet and dry ingredients, then fold in apples.
5. Fill muffin cups 2/3 full and bake for 20-25 minutes.

Recipe 10: Apple Crisp

A classic dessert that's easy to whip up and always a hit.

Ingredients

• 6 cups sliced apples
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 cup quick-cooking oats
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 cup melted butter

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Place apples in a 9x13 inch baking dish.
3. Mix white sugar, 1 tablespoon flour, cinnamon, and sprinkle over apples.
4. Pour water evenly over all.
5. Combine oats, 1 cup flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and melted butter.
6. Crumble evenly over the apple mixture.
7. Bake for 45 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown.

Conclusion

And there you have it—a treasure trove of apple recipes sure to make your fall more delicious. Whether you're craving something sweet like apple muffins or something savory like an apple-stuffed pork loin, there's a recipe here to tickle your taste buds. So grab those apples and get cooking!