Apples are about to become abundant at local grocery stores and farmer’s markets. For me, besides cooler evenings, it’s the first real sign of fall’s arrival. From breakfast to lunch, dinner to dessert, there isn’t a meal I can’t incorporate apple into.
“This is our favorite oatmeal – it tastes like an apple pie,” says Joan Hunt (Youngsville, NC) of her Crock Pot Oatmeal with Spiced Apples. “The steel cut oats have a more chewy texture to them and are a little heartier than the rolled oats.”
Joan’s oatmeal is hearty and delicious. The flavors really do make this taste just like an apple pie… only it’s healthy! Using steel cut oats helps the oatmeal from getting too mushy. This oatmeal recipe is so easy and flavorful, you’ll never want that instant stuff again. And waking up to the aroma of this will get you out of bed in no time.
Another great way to start your day is Stephanie Van Den Berg’s (Pataskala, OH) Slow Cooker Applesauce. It’s a favorite with Stephanie’s grandkids and I think will become a favorite with yours too. With a hint of spice from the nutmeg and cinnamon, it makes your kitchen smell amazing while cooking.
This recipe is so simple you’ll find yourself forgetting about the jarred stuff and making it at home all the time. I like my applesauce on the tart side, so I only used 1/3 cup of sugar. If you like it sweeter, definitely increase the sugar as Stephanie suggests. Yum!
Sometimes the most unusual combinations marry together to make something fabulous. This is true with Barbara Mayo’s (Collierville, TN) yummy Fall Harvest Sammie.
The peppery bacon, tangy goat cheese, and tart apples are a great combination. Sweet honey and brown sugar pull all the flavors together. So good and easy. A tasty sandwich for lunch, or enjoy with a cup of soup for dinner like Barbara does.
“I came up with this interesting Turkey Burger with Green Apple and the kids loved it,” shares Stephanie Heitmeier (Cumming, GA). “My kids love mini burgers but these can easily be made either way.”
Turkey burgers can be dry. But by shredding the apple and mixing with the ground meat, this burger deliciously moist. The smell of the maple syrup while grilling made my taste buds water. In the Test Kitchen, we did top ours with a bit of the mayo/Dijon mustard/maple syrup mixture Stephanie mentions. I highly recommend you do too. The melted brie tops the burger perfectly.
“Do you remember the Woolworth’s lunch counter and their delicious baked apples with vanilla sauce,” asks Barbara Eaton (Watertown, NY). “If so, you really need to try these Back in Time Baked Apples with Vanilla Sauce – they will transport you back many years.”
I love an old-fashioned recipe and this apple dumpling is heavenly. The crust Barbara recommends is light and delicate with a warm cinnamon filled baked apple inside.
What really makes this recipe special is the vanilla sauce. It’s thick, creamy and a great complement to the simple dumpling. This really will bring you back in time. A fantastic fall dessert.
Do you have a delicious go-to apple recipe you love to make every fall? Make sure to post it. Happy Pinching!