After scrolling through social media this past weekend, my feed was flooded with pictures of the accounts that I follow posting pictures of apple picking with the same corny captions. This fun fall time activity is a big hit, especially in my home state of New Jersey. Between the rolling hills or orchards that go throughout the state, that means there are a bunch of apples that need picking.
As I began to double-tap (that means like) the fifth or sixth picture, my mind began to wander as I thought about what everyone would do with these apples that they just bought. Sure, you can put them in a bowl on your kitchen counter but let’s be honest, are you really going to eat them all?
I decided that with the recent passing of #NationalAppleDay and apple picking still being a fan-favorite over the past month, why not share some of my favorite apple recipes with you. I am sure that when you are done reading this article, you will already be planning your next day at the orchard to make more!
Have you gone apple picking or whipped up some awesome apple-based dishes or creations? Feel free to connect with us on social using #SharpHome on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
Caramel Apple Dip
I love a beautiful Sunday in November; between the games on TV and having the day off after working 5-6 days a week, it calls for a day to unwind and wear your comfortable clothes around the house. I consider myself an active person, I like to go out and try new things (while practicing social distancing, of course), but some days my favorite place to be is on the couch with a few close family members.
Instead of typical buffalo wings, opting for this caramel apple dip from Life in the Lofthouse is one that will keep you wanting more. Whether you plan for a lazy day lying around or planning on having a family dinner, this dip will serve as the perfect supplement to any chip, apple, or snack of your choosing. This perfect and classic treat tied with caramel will have you wanting more. Just make sure you pace yourself!
Go through your cabinets and look around your kitchen for a package of softened cream cheese (8 oz.), packed brown sugar (1/2 cup), caramel ice cream topping (1/4 cup), vanilla extract (1 teaspoon), and marshmallow fluff (1 cup). Make sure to also look for green apples (3 will do the trick), lemon juice (2 tablespoons), and keep some water nearby (2 tablespoons).
One of my favorite parts about this recipe is that it takes very little to put together. You can also choose what you want to dip. If you are going to the store, feel free to pick up a bag of pretzels, marshmallows, and cookies. Ask around and see what everyone wants for everyone to enjoy it.
If your mouth-watering waiting for this “creamy and delicious” dip?
- Grab a medium bowl and combine the following ingredients: cream cheese, brown sugar, caramel topping, and the vanilla extract (yum!)
- Use an electric hand mixer to beat it until smooth, then add a cup of marshmallow fluff and beat it at a low speed.
- Next, take the green apples and cut them into slices. Grab a small bowl and add in the lemon juice and water. Take the apple slices and put them into the lemon juice mixture.
- Finally, drain the apples and dip them into the dip. Yummy, right?
Apple Autumn Dip
Being stuck in the house these past eight months has made binge-eating one of my favorite activities (not by choice). With little to do, looking for awesome and indulging snacks and food recipes allowed me to have tastes and bites of my favorite ingredients given the newfound time given.
While I am the first to admit that there is nothing wrong with whipping up some of your favorite treats, it is important to include some healthier options and find awesome ways to integrate your favorite apple ingredients into some better recipes.
Recently, I have been on a health kick, and I know I am not alone. While most of the recipe roundups include delicious desserts, I try to add something a bit outside of the box for all my favorite readers. So, when I found this apple autumn salad recipe from Real Mom Kitchen. Dubbed as an “easy side for Thanksgiving,” this option will get everyone asking for seconds (make sure they leave for turkey). Not everyone is a fan of Thanksgiving, turkey, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, etc. Adding a different option to the table may be an awesome idea and may make everyone happy. This quick put together recipe requires a few steps and little time, making it an awesome last-minute outlet.
To whip up this awesome recipe, make sure to get to the grocery store early in the day (to avoid all the last-minute shoppers) with your mask and grab some poppy seed dressing (3/4 cups), balsamic vinaigrette (3/4 cups), bit-sized pieced of romaine lettuce (approximately 2 hearts), craisins (3/4 cups), chopped pecan (1 cup), and apples (2 should work). For a bit of extra taste, fried and crumbled bacon (8 slices) will work.
As far as the assembly process, it is quite simple. Let me walk you through the steps.
- To make the perfect dressing, combine the poppy seed dressing and the balsamic vinaigrette. Mix and blend it.
- Next, add all the remaining ingredients into a large bowl and toss it together, ensuring that each serving and bite includes all the ingredients.
- Finally, you can place the salad in the center of the table where all your guests are waiting for. As for the dressing, feel free to leave it on the side so everyone can put on as much, or as little, as wanted.
Gluten-Free Apple Pie
Ready? This one is a bit of a throwback but is perfect for the fall season, especially around Thanksgiving. Usually, my goal is to showcase new and exciting recipes that you will love.
If you have been a fan of our blog for a while, you have probably seen (and loved) the gluten-free apple pie recipe. Are you going anywhere for Thanksgiving, looking to give someone a gift, or want to spice up your weekly dinner night? Why not whip up this awesome recipe. And did you catch the gluten-free part?
To create this awesome, fan-favorite recipe, we are going to need a few ingredients. Make sure to head on over to the grocery store with your mask to pick up an almond flour pie crust, two pounds of apple tart baking apples, three tablespoons muscovado sugar or honey (your choice), 3 tablespoons of arrowroot powder, a tablespoon of lemon juice and a teaspoon for cinnamon.
For the crumble topping (one of the best parts!), we will need ¾ cup oats, 1/3 cup of walnuts, 2 tablespoons of butter (make sure it is chilled and cut into chunks), 2 tablespoons pf muscovado, and ½ teaspoon of cinnamon.
- First, grab the almond flour pie crust and par-bake it at 350 ° Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes. This will serve as the basis for your new and tasty creation!
- Peel and slice each of the apples very thin. Prepare a bowl of water with lemon juice and place the sliced apples in the bowl. This will help with browning.
- After a few moments, drain the apples and mix the arrowroot muscovado and cinnamon in the bowl together. Add in one more tablespoon of lemon juice to help coat the apples.
- Let’s move on to the crumble topping. Take all the ingredients needed for the topping and place them into a food processor or blender (either will work fine). Make sure to keep processing them until they come out, looking like large crumbs. Don’t overdo it to make sure you still feel a bit of texture during each bite!
- Now add in the apples to the crust, keeping them towards the top, so they don’t go too deep when baked. Add the crumble topping to the top.
- Finally, open your oven and place a pie shield over the top. Bake it for about 50 minutes at 350 °
Apple Butter
Recipes at times can be so specific and very heavy on the detail. While some of my favorite recipes can be very detail-oriented or very specific, including something customized for all is a great way to ensure that everyone’s taste and preference are included. Do you have a picky eater at home? I know finding something for them new to taste can be a bit challenging or difficult. This concept may help them to ease in new tastes. Wonder what we are talking about?
This awesome recipe from The Recipe Critic calling for this spreadable apple butter is one that you will often be made. Just be prepared to share the recipe as everyone will be asking you for it. Whether it is in the morning and you are spreading it on toast, for a snack with some crackers, or anything in between, this is the perfect type of something sweet to keep around whenever you are in the mood for some apple taste.
One more thing that I love about this apple butter is that you can save it and freeze it to eat at any time (yes, even for your midnight snack). Looking at the time, this is something perfect to save now and pre-make for Thanksgiving as it can last for up to 3 weeks in the refrigerator.
If you don’t have your mask on and keys in your hands by now ready to go through the supermarket, make sure to make a list to include some delicious apples (3 pounds), some apple cider or apple juice (3/4 cup), packed brown sugar (1/2 cup), ground cinnamon (1/2 tablespoon), kosher salt (1/4 teaspoon), nutmeg (1/8 teaspoon), and some vanilla extract (1 teaspoon).
Enough small talk, and let’s jump right to it!
- First, grab a large pot and place the cider, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg. Cook it for approximately an hour over medium-low. Make sure to stir it every 10 minutes.
- Once it is very soft, take out a high powered or hand blender and puree the apples. Stir in the vanilla extract during this time.
- Next, you will want to cook this mixture uncovered on low heat for about an hour. Make sure to stir it every 5 minutes until it becomes dark.
- Finally, make sure to put it into a mason jar and store it. You can freeze it for up to 3 weeks.
Sliced Apple Pancake Rings
One of my favorite meals of the day (and most important) is breakfast. I have always believed that the first hour or two of the day sets the mood for the rest of the day. Therefore, a bit of excitement in the morning could come from breakfast. Between everyone gathered around the table in their comfy PJs and the delicious smells of food throughout the house, I am getting hungry as I type.
Whenever I write these recipe roundups, I love to include breakfast food for each common theme, so If you haven’t noticed this already, this whole article has been apple-related. This recipe, “The Comfort of Cooking,” calls for apple pancake rings the perfect fit.
Every kid remembers that there are two types of breakfast, the quick get something in your stomach type (this includes cereal, oatmeal, etc.) and then the buffet (this includes bacon, pancakes, and more!) As a child, I always remember there being some over-the-top breakfast during any holiday weekend to bring a great start to the day, so when I saw this awesome recipe, I figured it would be the perfect addition to this autumn and Thanksgiving season.
Want to know something awesome? You really don’t need too much to complete this. Head on over to the grocery store real quick, or go through your cabinets, and makes sure to grab a large batch of pancake mix, a 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, a 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and 4 medium apples (sliced 1/4-inch thick).
One last time let us jump right into it!
- Take out the griddle or a skillet (nonstick) and set it on medium heat. Lightly grease it with oil or spray it with a non-cooking spray.
- Place down the pancake mix and create ring-like shapes (or, if you are feeling artsy, any type you like). Make sure to add the cinnamon and nutmeg to it.
- Next, you are going to dip the apple slices in the pancake batter. Make sure to coat it all over and cook it until it is golden brown (only flip it once).
- Finally, transfer your pancake rings on to a plate and serve it with some warm maple syrup.
