When I was going to school at the University of Minnesota I worked in the test kitchens of the Department of Horticulture. There, we made blueberry and apple pies to test new varieties of fruits in taste panels, and baked and fried french fries to test varieties of potatoes. At the time, some of the professors were working on the Honeycrisp and Honeygold apples.
Every time I bake a pie I think of that time, and the dedication of the horticulturists and plant scientists who work so hard to develop new varities of plants that will thrive in different environments.
My favorite apple to cook with is the Granny Smith. This sturdy all purpose apple doesn't turn brown as quickly when cut as other varieties. And my two favorite eating apples are the Honeycrisp and Gala. The Honeycrisp is very juicy, with a well balanced sweet and tart flavor. And the Gala is a sweet and crisp apple with a wonderful flowery aroma. And the University has just introduced a new apple variety called the Sweet Tango. It's like a Honeycrisp but is a bit more tart.
Take some time to research different apple varieties, and find an orchard where you live to sample apples right off the tree. I love the unusual names of apples. From Black Gilliflower to Thompkins King, apples are a versatile and delicious food.
Enjoy these apple recipes using the fruit of fall.
Dessert Apple Recipes
- Apple Bundt Cake
- Apple Peach Pie
- Quick Apple Strudel
- Baked Apples
- Apple Pie Pizza
- French Apple Pie
- Crockpot Cobbler
- Apple Maple Pan Tart
- Apple Crisp
- Caramel Apple Bars
- Apple Pecan Layer Cake
- Baked Apple Dessert
- Caramel Apple Cake
- Crockpot Baked Apples
- Crockpot Apple Pumpkin Pudding Cake
- Minute Apple Tart
- Crockpot Caramel Apple Dip
- Impossible French Apple Pie
Apple Salads and Sandwiches
- Pasta Salmon Apple Salad
- Chicken Waldorf Sandwich
- Grilled Chicken and Apple Sandwich
- Apple Pasta Salad
- Tuna Waldorf Salad
- Cinnamon Apples
- Grilled Havarti and Apple Sandwich
- Chutney Rice Fruit Salad
Main Dish Apple Recipes
- Apple Pork Chops
- Grilled Chicken Fruit Packets
- Apple Glazed Crockpot Roast Pork
- Ham and Apple Strata
- Pressure Cooker Pork Roast
- Apple Glazed Sausage and Bacon
- Apple Chicken Bake
- Apple Cinnamon Glazed Chicken
- Apple Pork Chops
- Apple Meatloaf
- Apple Pork Chops with Sauerkraut
- Appley Kielbasa
Apple Breads
- Apple Oatmeal Raisin Bread
- Fresh Apple Quick Bread
- Applesauce Muffins
- Apple Cinnamon Coffee Cake
- Apple Raisin Muffins
