Apples are considered the most versatile and delicious fruits, can be used in sweet or savory dishes, and pair well with various flavors.
If you want a new way to use up a bumper crop from your apple tree or want to try something different, these recipes are sure to please.
One of the best things about cooking with apples is the many different types.
Each type of apple has its unique flavor so that you can experiment until you find the perfect match for your dish. The more popular varieties include Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Golden Delicious.
If you’re unsure what apple to use in a recipe, a good rule is to choose one that is a tart for savory dishes and sweet for desserts.
For example, Granny Smith apples are perfect for pie because their tartness balances out the sweetness of the filling.
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Baking With Apples
First, preheat your oven before getting started, ensuring that your apple pies or crisps come out of the oven nicely and evenly.
Second, use the correct type of apples for your recipe. You’ll want to use firmer apples such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for pies.
For crisps and cobblers, softer apples such as Golden Delicious or Jonathan Apples work best.
Finally, don’t forget to add some spice. A little cinnamon or even nutmeg can go a long way in enhancing the flavor of your apple recipe.
Using Apples in Savoury Dishes
Another great thing about cooking with apples is using them in sweet and savory dishes.
For a savory twist on traditional apple recipes, try using a tart apple such as Granny Smith instead of sweet apples such as Golden Delicious.
You can also use apples to add flavor to meat dishes. Pork chops and chicken breasts are excellent when cooked with apples.
For pork chops, try pan-frying them with thinly sliced apples and onions. Bake them in the oven with sliced apples and your favorite herbs for chicken breasts.
Apples are also a great way to add sweetness and flavor to vegetable dishes. Sautéed Brussels sprouts or roasted winter squash are delicious when made with apples.
For Brussels sprouts, try sautéing them with thinly sliced apples and pancetta. Add diced apples to the mix for roasted winter squash before roasting in the oven.
The Types of Apples Best for Cooking
The types of apples best for cooking are Granny Smith apples, Honeycrisp apples, Golden Delicious apples, Jonathan Apples, and Braeburn apples.
The Best Apple Recipes:
Here is our list of the most popular recipes using apples:
- Apple Crisp
- Apple pie
- Baked apples
- Sautéed Brussels sprouts with apples
- Roasted winter squash with apples
- Pork chops with apples and onions
- Chicken breasts with apples and herbs
- Apple sauce
- Apple cider
- Caramelized apples
How to Choose the Perfectly Ripe Apple for Your Dish
When choosing apples for cooking, it is essential to choose ones that are ripe but not overripe.
You want the apples to be firm but not hard. If they are too soft, they will turn to mush when cooked.
The best way to test for the apple’s ripeness is to give the apple a gentle squeeze. If the apple yields to the pressure, it is ripe.
You can also smell the apple near the stem. Ripe apples should have a sweet smell.
Once you have chosen your apples, it is essential to use them as soon as possible.
Remember, apples also continue to ripen after they are picked, so you don’t want them to sit around for too long before using them in your recipes.
How to Store Your Apples and Keep Them Fresh?
It would be best to store apples in a cool, dry place. The refrigerator is the best place to store apples and will last up to 14 days when stored in the fridge.
When storing apples, keeping them away from other fruits and vegetables is essential.
Apples can give off ethylene gas, which can cause other fruits and vegetables to ripen too quickly. So, store them in a separate drawer or bag in the fridge.
To prevent your apples from browning, sprinkle them with lemon juice before storing them in the fridge.
You can also dip your apples in a mixture of one part water and one part white vinegar.
Conclusion
Cooking with apples is a great way to add sweetness and flavor to your dishes. Choose the correct type of apple for your recipe and use them as soon as possible after picking the best results.
Store your apples in your fridge to keep them fresh and prevent them from browning.
Experiment with different recipes to find the perfect one for your taste. No matter what dish you’re making, apples are a versatile ingredient that is sure to please.
