7 Inventive Recipes For The Most “Fall” Fruit
I know you feel it too. With the slight chill in the air, the pumpkins lurking in the window, and the annual retirement of shorts upon us, fall is very near. I usually love this transition period from summer to fall, and this year is no exception. I’m even more excited than usual because where summer felt tied to COVID, fall feel like change and something to look forward to.
Unequivocally, the fall ingredient is the apple. Apple pie has been my favorite kind of pie and the most highly-requested treat every Thanksgiving, but I know deep down that every time I make apple pie, I’m letting down apples everywhere. There must be other apple recipes to try that are equally delicious and probably a whole lot healthier. Before we dive into those, let's find yet more reasons as to why we should look to include apples in everything we can if not for the delicious taste.
Health Benefits
One apple is about one and a half cups of fruit, nearly fulfilling your recommended daily intake of fruit (two cups). Apples provide vitamins manganese, copper, and the vitamins A, E, B1, B2, and B6, which helps activate enzymes which aid your metabolism, form red blood cells, defend against infection (keeping the doctor away!), and much more. The skin on the apple also serves as fibre which helps reduce blood pressure, inflammation, and also controls blood sugar levels. Since about 86% of the fruit is water, the apple is both a delicious and hydrating snack. Finally, apples contain pectin, a type of fibre that works as a prebiotic, feeding the good bacteria in your stomach.
Recipes
A great appetizer for the days when that fall wind is extra bone-chilling, one serving of this soup is enough to satisfy even those who are the most active crunchy-leaf-stompers. Full of enough zing to make your mouth hot even when the rest of you is still shivering, this soup is the perfect meal to try this fall.
Be gone overpriced, lukewarm cider! You can make the most quintessential fall drink in the comfort of you own home. I don’t need to sell anyone on cider and neither will you when the odor fills your house better than any smelly candle.
Pork and apple together are just a match made in heaven. The crispy crunch and tang of the apple is just the accompaniment your succulent pork is missing. Your tastebuds will thank you.
What a gorgeous, fall twist on a breakfast favorite. I’ve tried banana and blueberry pancakes, but never before apple. Just imagine the sweet fruit, warm cinnamon, and sticky syrup kneaded into the perfect delivery mechanism that is the pancake. Is your mouth watering too?
These muffins are perfect for a snack or as breakfast with some berries. The slivered almonds dusted on top create the perfect crunch while the juice from the apple helps make the most moist muffin I’ve ever tasted.
Is there anything an apple can’t get along with? The answer is no. These patties are a convenient way to slide in some apple, and therefore, a fall flare, while enhancing a household favorite meal.
Need I say more? Oatmeal is my go-to breakfast. I love enjoying it straight out of the pot with raisins, thrown into a jar with milk and enjoyed cold in the morning, but this rendition makes the fruit nestled in between the oats turn gooey and jam-like. A fall breakfast must along with the pancakes.
The bottom line: if you want to get in the fall spirit, apples in these recipes are the key.
Sources/Further Reading:
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/10-health-benefits-of-apples#TOC_TITLE_HDR_11
https://www.delish.com/cooking/g1968/easy-apple-recipes/?slide=42
https://www.tasteofhome.com/collection/apple-recipes-to-make-this-fall/
