Posted on

Happy National Apple Month pt 1

Celebrate the Crisp and Delicious Joy of National Apple Month

As the leaves start to change and the air becomes crisper, there’s one thing that comes to mind – apples! October marks the beginning of National Apple Month, a time when orchards burst with ripe fruit, and the delightful aroma of apple pies wafts through kitchens across the country. This annual celebration is a testament to the enduring love affair between humans and apples. Let’s delve into the history, diversity, and the myriad ways we can enjoy this beloved fruit during this happy month.

A Brief History of National Apple Month

National Apple Month has its roots in the early 20th century. The idea was initially conceived as a way to promote apple consumption and to support American apple growers. The first official proclamation of National Apple Week took place in 1904, with the celebration eventually extending to the entire month of October.

The Apple’s Rich Heritage

Apples have been a part of human history for millennia. From the biblical Garden of Eden to the story of Isaac Newton and his gravity-defying apple, these fruits have always had a significant place in our cultural narrative. Today, there are thousands of apple varieties cultivated worldwide, each with its own unique flavor, texture, and culinary uses.

Exploring Apple Varieties

National Apple Month is the perfect time to embark on a delicious journey through the various apple varieties. Here are a few of the most popular ones:

  1. Red Delicious: Known for its striking crimson color and sweet, juicy flesh, this apple is often enjoyed fresh or in salads.
  2. Granny Smith: Tart and crisp, these green apples are perfect for baking into pies or making caramel apples.
  3. Honeycrisp: With its sweet-tart flavor and satisfying crunch, the Honeycrisp has become a favorite for snacking.
  4. Fuji: Sweet and firm, Fuji apples are excellent for both eating fresh and using in desserts.
  5. Golden Delicious: These yellow apples are wonderfully versatile, ideal for pies, sauces, and snacking.
  6. Gala: Mildly sweet and incredibly crisp, Galas are a popular choice for lunchboxes.

Apple Recipes to Savor

National Apple Month is a fantastic time to try your hand at various apple-centric recipes. Here are a few classics:

  1. Apple Pie: A timeless favorite, apple pie combines sweet, cinnamon-spiced apples with a flaky pastry crust.
  2. Apple Crisp: This comforting dessert features baked apples topped with a crumbly mixture of oats, sugar, and butter.
  3. Caramel Apples: Dip apples in rich, homemade caramel for a sweet treat that’s perfect for fall.
  4. Apple Cider: Enjoy the essence of autumn by making your own apple cider or indulging in a warm mug from your local orchard.
  5. Apple Sauce: Homemade applesauce is a delightful accompaniment to pork dishes or a simple, healthy snack.

National Apple Month is a time to celebrate the bountiful harvest, the rich history, and the delicious versatility of this beloved fruit. Whether you’re picking apples at an orchard, baking a homemade pie, or simply enjoying a crisp, fresh apple, take a moment to appreciate the simple joy that apples bring to our lives. So, let’s raise a slice of apple pie to National Apple Month and all the delightful flavors it brings to our tables!

Savory apple dishes can be a delightful departure from the usual sweet preparations. One fantastic option is Pork Chops with Apple and Sage. Here’s a recipe for you to try:

Ingredients:

  • 4 bone-in pork chops
  • 2 apples (such as Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and sliced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh sage leaves, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried sage)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup apple cider or apple juice
  • 2 tablespoons butter

Instructions:

1. Sear the Pork Chops:

  • Season the pork chops with salt and pepper.
  • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork chops and sear them for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are browned and cooked through. Remove the chops from the skillet and set them aside.

2. Sauté the Apples and Onions:

  • In the same skillet, add the chopped onions and garlic. Sauté for about 2 minutes until they become fragrant.
  • Add the sliced apples and continue to cook for another 3-4 minutes until the apples start to soften.

3. Deglaze the Pan:

  • Pour in the apple cider or apple juice and chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.

4. Simmer and Add Sage:

  • Return the seared pork chops to the skillet with the apple-onion mixture.
  • Sprinkle the fresh sage leaves over the pork and apples. If you’re using dried sage, add it at this stage.
  • Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes, or until the pork is heated through, and the apples are tender.

5. Finish with Butter:

  • Stir in the butter to create a rich, glossy sauce. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.

6. Serve:

  • Plate the pork chops with the apple and sage sauce spooned over the top.

This savory dish combines the natural sweetness of apples with the savory flavors of pork and sage, creating a harmonious and delicious meal that’s perfect for a cozy fall dinner. Enjoy your Pork Chops with Apple and Sage!

Determining the “best” apple recipe can be subjective, as it depends on personal taste preferences. However, one classic and universally loved apple recipe is Homemade Apple Pie. Here’s a simple recipe for you to try:

Ingredients:

For the Pie Crust:

  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 6-8 tablespoons ice water

For the Apple Filling:

  • 6-7 cups of thinly sliced and peeled apples (such as Granny Smith or a mix of varieties)
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for dotting)

Instructions:

For the Pie Crust:

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.
  2. Add the cold, cubed butter, and use a pastry cutter or your hands to work it into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  3. Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough starts to come together.
  4. Divide the dough into two equal portions, shape each into a disk, wrap them in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

For the Apple Filling:

  1. In a large bowl, combine the thinly sliced apples, lemon juice, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and flour. Toss until the apples are evenly coated.

Assembling the Pie:

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Roll out one of the pie crust disks on a floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Place it in the dish.
  3. Pour the prepared apple filling into the crust and distribute it evenly.
  4. Dot the filling with small pieces of butter.
  5. Roll out the second pie crust disk and place it over the apples. Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges to seal the pie.
  6. Cut a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
  7. Optionally, brush the top crust with a little milk or egg wash for a golden finish.

Baking:

  1. Place the pie on a baking sheet (to catch any spills) and bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown, and the filling is bubbling.
  2. If the edges of the crust start to brown too quickly, you can cover them with aluminum foil.

Cooling and Serving:

  1. Allow the pie to cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before serving. This helps the filling set.
  2. Serve your homemade apple pie warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.

This classic apple pie recipe is a crowd-pleaser, and its warm, cinnamon-spiced aroma will fill your home with the cozy scents of fall. Enjoy!

An Upside-Down Apple Cake is a delightful dessert that showcases the natural sweetness of apples. Here’s a recipe for you to enjoy:

Ingredients:

For the Apple Topping:

  • 3-4 medium-sized apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • A pinch of salt

For the Cake Batter:

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup buttermilk

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Apple Topping:

  • In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the 1/2 cup of butter.
  • Stir in the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
  • Cook and stir until the sugar has completely dissolved and the mixture is smooth, about 2-3 minutes.
  • Pour this mixture into the bottom of a greased 9-inch round cake pan, spreading it evenly.
  • Arrange the sliced apples on top of the sugar-butter mixture in a decorative pattern.

2. Make the Cake Batter:

  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and salt. Set aside.
  • In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  • Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
  • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.

3. Assemble and Bake:

  • Carefully pour the cake batter over the sliced apples in the cake pan, spreading it evenly to cover the apples.
  • Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
  • Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.

4. Flip and Serve:

  • Place a serving plate upside down over the cake pan.
  • Using oven mitts, carefully and swiftly flip the cake onto the plate. Tap the pan gently to release any stuck apple slices.
  • Lift off the cake pan, revealing the beautifully caramelized apple topping.

5. Serve and Enjoy:

  • Serve the Upside-Down Apple Cake warm or at room temperature. It’s delicious on its own or with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

This Upside-Down Apple Cake is a true autumn delight, combining the sweetness of caramelized apples with the moist, cinnamon-infused cake. It’s a perfect treat for any fall occasion. Enjoy!

Leave a comment