How to Dress Up Your Apples for Halloween

Happy Halloween! Or as I like to call it, the best day of the year. Hands down. Halloween is the one day where people actually encourage you to be extra. Thinking of spraying your hair a gross purple and dying your skin green? Go for it! The options on Halloween are literally limitless, so why confine the creativity to your own costume? If you’re throwing a Halloween party (or if you’re just really hungry), you should dress your snacks up in costumes, too! Here’s a bunch of cute, spooky, and edible costumes to put on your candy apples. Bonus points if you and your apples match.

Jack Skellington

Wonky Wonderful

Perfect for those who just woke up from a coma and don’t know whether it’s Halloween or Christmas, Jack Skellington looks complicated, but is actually a super simple costume for an apple. What’s this? What’s this? Get the recipe.

Spiderman

iCreativeIdeas

Not only do these apples look and taste awesome, but they’re also great for Halloween and literally any child’s birthday party. Throw on a fruit roll-up cape and one would even say these candy apples are…super (I’m sorry). Get the recipe.

Mickey Mouse

Oh My Disney

These Mickey apples are ridiculously cute and have the added bonus of marshmallows for ears! An extra tip: Use red or pink chocolate melts to recreate those oh-so-original couple’s costumes you see at every party you’ve ever been to. Get the recipe.

Maleficent

Rosanna Pansino

This one is legit. Put some evil in your party snacks with this insane recipe for an Angelina Jolie-level Maleficent candy apple. Get the recipe.

Cats

Hungry Happenings

I saw this recipe and cracked up, because what Halloween party doesn’t have at least 16 cats? You could even make the ears longer for all the bunnies that are sure to be there, too, and with that you’ve probably covered a good 85% of any Halloween party. Get the recipe.

Minions

Building Our Story

Well, because these little yellow guys are still relevant, they make for a quick and easy costumed candy apple. All you need to perfect this recipe is candy melts and gel frosting (hey, maybe you’d just need the frosting if you use a yellow apple! More bang for the buck, right?). Get the recipe.

BB-8

Savoring The Good

What’s Halloween without someone in a Star Wars-inspired costume? Now, that someone can be a candy apple. Follow this recipe for an intricate yet delicious BB-8. Get the recipe.

Dorothy (The Wizard of Oz)

Frost Me

Okay, so this is a bit of a cop-out, but it’s still pretty obvious that this candy apple isn’t in Kansas anymore. Plus, if you forget to dress your apples, this is a great last-minute fix. Get the recipe.

Pumpkins, Witches, and Monsters

The Partiologist

What’s Halloween without pumpkins, ghosts, scary monsters, mummies, witches, and vampires? Dress up an apple in all the classic costumes you can think of, thanks to this collection of cute and simple recipes. Get the recipes.

Olaf (Frozen)

Ashlee Marie

I know that these are technically pears, but Olaf looks so much more like a pear than an apple, and I couldn’t resist the cuteness of this recipe. Some people are worth melting chocolate and caramel for. Get the recipe.

Hippies

Sugar And Charm

This is on the list solely because I am OBSESSED with decade-inspired costumes. Bring the 60s to your apples by tie-dying them! If you follow this recipe, you’ll have the grooviest apples at the party. You can even mix it up by experimenting with colors! Get the recipe.

Sugar Skulls

Craft Chica

You know those people who go ALL OUT on Halloween and decorate their entire face like a beautiful sugar skull? These candy apples are for those people. If you can get them to look this beautiful, good for you. Get the recipe.

Any Bloody Costume

1 Fine Cookie

This apple is perfect for anyone who likes to pack on the fake blood. It looks totally spooky and weird, but I promise it tastes great! Get the recipe.

Related Video: Four Tips for Halloween

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10 Things That Taste Like Apple Pie But Aren’t

Apple pie’s the perfect confluence of joyous autumn things: fresh-picked orchard apples; familiar, nutty spices; oven-baked goods that are sure to warm the home. But let’s face it: We’ve got a long cold-weather haul ahead of us, so a little variety is going to be key to making it through to next spring. With that in mind, here are 10 ways—some logical, some not so much—to enjoy the essence of apple pie (just hold the pie).

1. Apple Pie Oatmeal

It’s possible to trick yourself into thinking you’re having dessert for breakfast, thanks to apple pie oatmeal. Be sure to top it with extra maple syrup, butter, and cinnamon to make your first meal of the day feel particularly special.
Photo: Apple Pie Oatmeal / Clara Persis

2. Cheddar Apple Pie Grilled Cheese

Cheddar cheese apple pie’s a commonplace occurrence. And if you’re going to go halfway with the sweet-savory thing, why not just go all out? Embrace the concept full-on by making cheddar apple pie grilled cheese, which conveniently calls for only four ingredients.
Photo: Cheddar Apple Pie Grilled Cheese / Hungry Couple

3. Eel Apple Pie

If apples on grilled cheese got you going crazy, you’re not going to believe what we’re recommending next: eel apple pie. Yes, it’s as offbeat as it sounds, but trust us: The combination of puff pastry, wasabi, baked apple slices, and BBQ eel just works.
Photo: Unagi Apple Pie / Yelp

4. Apple Baklava

Why isn’t apple baklava a bigger thing? Layers of crispy phyllo dough, honey, and walnuts are a perfect match with cinnamon, butter, and fresh apple.
Photo: Apple Baklava / Amy Bites

5. Apple Pie Float

At The Ice Cream Bar in San Francisco, there’s a boozy drink called the San Francisco Honey, made from a scoop of crème fraîche ice cream, a scoop of milk chocolate ice cream, and a float of San Francisco Mead Company Apple Pie Mead. Top that, apple pie.
Photo: SF Honey Cocktail / Susannah Chen

6. Apple Pie Jam

Apple pie preserves could be your jam. Don’t limit yourself to spreading them on toast—they’d probably be pretty rad as an accompaniment to a scoop of vanilla gelato, on top of some melted Brie en croute … the options are endless.
Photo: Apple Pie Jam / The Three Little Piglets

7. Apple Pie Waffles

Together, Belgian-style waffles, maple bourbon caramel sauce, and apple compote sure taste a lot like heaven. Apple pie–flavored heaven, that is.
Photo: Apple Pie Waffles / Smells Like Home

8. Baked Apple Pie Fries

If you’re one to choose sweet bites over salty snacks any day, then skip the spuds next time it’s your turn to host, and “fry” up a batch of apple pie fries instead. An oat, cinnamon, and sugar breading helps the baked apple sticks achieve a crispy, fry-like texture.
Photo: Baked Apple Pie Fries / Averie Cooks

9. Apple Pie Smoothie

Trick yourself into thinking you’re enjoying the real deal when you’re actually gulping down a wholesome beverage devoid of gluten, dairy, or refined sugars.
Photo: Apple Pie Smoothie / Tasty Yummies

10. Apple Pie Pizza

There are no rules in today’s pizza world; the genre seems to offer just about everything. That would include apple pie pizza, which calls for pizza dough topped with Granny Smith apples, a cinnamon sugar crumble, and a drizzle of icing.
Photo: Apple Pie Pizza / Dessert for Two

Related Video: How to Make a Vegan Smoothie That Tastes Like Apple Pie

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Pumpkin Chili

Pumpkin Chili! Made with chunks of pumpkin, ground pork, black beans, a bottle of beer, and plenty of spices. Ready in under an hour. Even better the next day.

Continue reading "Pumpkin Chili" »

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How to Order Turkish Food Like a Pro

If you’re hesitant to try Turkish food, answer these questions. Do you like hummus? How about grilled meat that’s so succulent it’s literally dripping with flavor? Are you a fan of dumplings, pizza, and anything fried? What about cool, refreshing salads to make your meal feel healthy? If you answered yes to any or all, we promise you’ll be kicking yourself for not venturing into the world of Turkish cuisine sooner. It encompasses familiar Middle Eastern flavors and distinct notes all its own, so we asked chefs from top Middle Eastern restaurants to pinpoint dishes that are must-trys for all Turkish beginners—it’s best enjoyed with a large group (you’ll see why below) and after tasting (or just reading!) we doubt you’ll be a newbie for long.

Splurge for the meze

Meze translates to appetizer, and when it comes to Turkish food, you definitely want these in plentiful supply. Consider ordering a combo platter so you can taste a variety of cold dips like hummus; a smoked eggplant dip similar to baba ganoush; ezme, a spicy onion and chopped tomato medley; cacik, a cucumber yogurt dip reminiscent of tzatziki; and so much more. Don’t be afraid to experiment—anything you can pile on top of pita or dip a chunk of traditional Turkish bread into (authentically baked on rocks or clay to produce a crisp base but chewy inside, and sprinkled with nigella or sesame seeds) is bound to satisfy.

Lazy Cat Kitchen

There’s hot meze, too, and they should not be skipped. You must try Turkish cigars (sometimes called borek or boregi), a cousin to the Chinese egg roll—think crispy, flaky, phyllo-type dough commonly wrapped around minced meat, cheese, or spinach, and served piping hot. Then there’s kibbeh. “The best way to describe it is like a croquette, and it’s served with a mint yogurt sauce,” says Tarik Fallous, head chef and owner of Au Za’atar in New York City. It’s frequently a mixture of ground meat (usually beef), spices, and pine nuts that’s wrapped in a bulgur coating and fried until crispy. “You can’t compare it to much, so it’s great for trying a very cultural dish,” he adds.

Get the manti

Do not—we repeat, do not—walk away without trying manti. If Chinese dim sum and Italian ravioli had a baby, manti would be it. A light, silky dough is stuffed with minced lamb and boiled, then the pillowy pockets are doused in a garlicky yogurt sauce and topped off with a hearty drizzle of chili oil. There’s nothing else like it, and we challenge you not to eat the entire plate.

Panning the Globe

Be ready for some meat

Like other Middle Eastern cuisines, Turkish is heavy on the meat, and we aren’t complaining. “Kebab is a great gateway food. It’s simply skewered meat and vegetables that is roasted or grilled. It’s not foreign to many palates but you’ll be surprised by the flavor,” says Fallous. Whether you like chicken, beef, or lamb, there’s a kebab for them all. Then there’s shawarma—layers of marinated chicken or a beef/lamb combo that’s slow-roasted on a spinning spit until tender enough to shave off for sandwiches or to pile atop rice. “It’s the world’s most popular street food and is absolutely a must-try,” Fallous says. “Every bite will be better than the next.”

Shutterstock

And don’t be fooled by the simplicity of kofte—it’s not your ordinary meatball or patty. “It’s essentially a cross between a meatball and meatloaf, with a savory and sweet spiced flavor, as well as herbal notes,” says Julien Laconelli, executive chef and consultant at Panorama Middle Eastern Grill in New York City. It’s often served as stubby torpedo-shaped patties or roughly chopped; we recommend building a forkful of kofte and purple pickled turnips or sweetly tangy pickles that are often served on the side.

Chowhound

Pair your meat with one of the tomato- and cucumber-forward salads and your meal is complete.

Try the flatbreads

If you’re a lahmacun (sometimes spelled lahmajoun) virgin, you shouldn’t be for long. It’s a thin yet chewy flatbread smeared with an addictive minced lamb mixture. If you’re craving cheese, pide is for you. Think of it like the Turkish version of pizza, except layers of cheese, spinach, or meat is piled into dough boats and baked until gooey. If you’re lucky, you might also find fresh-baked pita rubbed with za’atar (an iconic spice blend of thyme, sumac, and sesame seeds) or muhammara, a red pepper spread, that are definitely worth your time.

Finish it off with one sweet bite

Shutterstock

For something new, try kunefe. “It’s made from cheese, baked pastry dough, and topped with pistachios. It’s generally served hot and is delicious and indulgent,” says Laconelli. Or, stick with a tried-and-true favorite: “I always get baklava when I go to Turkey. It’s a popular filo dough pastry held together with syrup or honey, and it’s great,” says Fallous.

Related Video: How to Make the Best Homemade Hummus

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What’s the Difference Between the Most Common Types of Apples?

They say that an apple a day can keep the doctor away. But what type of apple? Granny Smith? Red Delicious? Golden Delicious? Clearly, it can get a little confusing, so we’re helping you figure out what type of apple is right for you. Since we can’t get to them all – sorry Jonalicious and Uttwiler Spätlaubers – we’re sticking to the most common apples you can find in regular grocery stores.

Follow this guide and you’ll know the right apple for your pie, cider, or favorite teacher.

Braeburn apples image from Specialty Produce

Braeburn – known for their red/orange vertical streaky appearance, Braeburn apples have a spicy-sweet flavor that is perfect for eating directly or using in baking

Cortland – these medium to large red/green striped apples are known for their crisp, juicy bite that delivers a mildly sweet flavor; Cortland’s are also slightly resistant to browning, making them a good apple to serve as slices or in a salad

Empire Apple image from Erin Nudi

Empire – red, juicy and sweet is the best way to describe these apples (aside from also referencing Times Square); since it’s firmer than other varieties, it makes for a good cooking apple

Fuji – originally developed in Japan, these reddish yellow apples are known for their extremely sweet flesh; Fuji’s can be eaten straight or as a base for apple sauce, thanks to that natural sweetness

Jonagold apple image from Sabreean

Jonagold – this thin, smooth skinned apple, identified by its red body with yellow speckles is a jack of all trades of apples and can be used in pretty much any recipe

Gala – taller than it is wide (usually), Gala apples are known for their reddish gold skin and yellowish interior; Gala’s are semi-sweet, crisp and juicy making them a good apple to snack on

Golden Delicious – known for yellow skin, Golden Delicious apples are the second most commonly grown apples in the US; since they are thin-skinned, they spoil easily and should be used for preparations that involve cooking or canning

Granny Smith apple image from Home Cooking Memories

Granny Smith – not to be confused with Golden Delicious apples, Granny Smith’s are those bright green, extremely tart apples that you probably would never want to eat alone; the almost lemony apple pairs well with cheese/salty foods and is a good cooking apple

Macintosh – usually half green, half red, Macintosh apples have a fairly soft flesh that isn’t super appealing on the palate for a raw apple; think about using them in recipes like apple sauce or butter – they’re a little to soft to use in pie recipes

Red Delicious – probably the most iconic and distinguishable apple (give it to your teacher), Red Delicious apples are the quintessential snacking apple

Winesap – there are several varieties of regional Winesap apples, which are known for their tart flesh which is perfect for juicing, cooking and eating fresh

Now that we’ve helped you on your next trip to the grocery store, here are a few recipes for the apples that are good for cooking. The rest.. well just eat em.

1. Apple Pie

Chowhound

While this may not be your grandma’s recipe (please send her recipe if you do have it), it’s a great basic recipe to make your first homemade Apple pie. Get our Apple Pie recipe.

2. Apple Butter

Chowhound

If you haven’t tried apple butter before – a Pennsylvania Dutch specialty – you don’t know what you’re missing; it’s tart, sweet and perfect on toasted bread. Get our Apple Butter recipe.

3. Apple Sauce

Chowhound

Store bought applesauce is OK but homemade applesauce is light years ahead and will make you think twice about buying the readymade stuff again. Get our Apple Sauce recipe.

4. Bacon, Apple and Blue Cheese Omelet

Chowhound

Tart apples, crisp bacon and blue cheese are the base for this indulgent breakfast omelet. Get our Bacon, Apple and Blue Cheese Omelet recipe.

5. Apple Stuffed Pork Chops with Cider Sauce

Our pork chops with cider sauce our brimming with fall flavors – there are apples, pumpernickel, and fresh herbs like sage and thyme. Get our recipe for Apple Stuffed Pork chops with Cider Sauce recipe.

6. Apple Chestnut Soup with Parsley Croutons

Sweet and nutty, this soup is a great starter for any fall meal. Get our Apple Chestnut Soup with Parsley Croutons recipe.

7. Vegan Tofu Apple Spring Rolls

These vegan spring rolls, with orange-ginger tofu and tart apples, prove that you can still have big flavors without any meat. Get our Vegan Tofu Apple Spring Rolls recipe.

8. Campfire Baked Apples

Chowhound

Sort of like an apple pie without the crust, apples are filled with dried fruit, walnuts, spices and butter then baked over an open fire. Get our Campfire Baked Apples recipe.

9. Spiked Apple Galette

Chowhound

Our free form apple tart is swimming in apple flavor, with cinnamon spiced apples and a sauce made with apple cider and brandy. Get our Spiked Apple Galette recipe.

Header image: apple orchard from Daisy Hill Living

Related video: Four Ways to Keep Your Apples Fresh for Longer

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9 Creative Ways to Use Applesauce This Holiday Season

If you are anything like me, you blinked and it is November, right? Right—and yikes! Time is flying, whether we want it to or not, but we can still savor the season’s blessings: pumpkin spice lattes, having an excuse to live out our flannel-lumberjack fantasies, Thanksgiving, and the trees sporting the most magnificent shades of crimson and burnt orange. It is also the time of year, where we need to start thinking about what we are going to do to wow friends and family during the holiday season. After all, are you really celebrating if you don’t make something special?

If you are not in the know, it is a foodie fact that applesauce has become a game-changing ingredient when it comes to making healthier, vegan, gluten-free, low fat versions of food we enjoy. To be frank, however, the sweet, juicy flavor that applesauce adds is so enjoyable that it doesn’t even need to be healthy. Sometimes, you just use applesauce because it tastes great and that is reason enough. Applesauce is a catch-all ingredient that can act as a sweetener, oil-, butter-, or egg-replacer, or general secret ingredient to supercharge a dish. Sound good? We did some searching and found nine creative ways to have fun with applesauce this year. Please enjoy.

Raw Energy Bars

The Fitchen

During the lead up to a big celebration, it is really hard not to overeat. After all, you wake up early, cook and/or travel and have way too much time before you get to the big meal of the day. Thus, I have recently taken to eating something light but satisfying like granola or energy bars. Over-the-counter energy bars, however, can get expensive and they just aren’t natural, so it is always better to make them from scratch. That sounds hard, right? Wrong. The Fitchen has these raw, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free bars that are the perfect snack for you and your family. The recipe is packed full of nutty pistachio, almond, cashew, as well as sunflower and flax seeds, so it is will be beyond satisfying and only a little sweet from the applesauce. Just be sure to store them in the freezer as raw bars need a little help staying stiff! Get the recipe.

Healthy Applesauce Granola

Two Healthy Kitchens

Didn’t we just talk about granola as a healthy pre-holiday snack? Well, Two Healthy Kitchens has an easy granola recipe that is low in oil and sugar thanks to—you guessed it—applesauce. For any of you out there struggling to get your kids safely away from processed food and sugar, this is an excellent transition food. You can make it with them to get them used to the look and ingredients and then get rid of sugary cereals all together. Get the recipe. 

Now, for a little savory.

Apple-Glazed Vegetable Edamame Stir-Fry

Averie Cooks

Glaze anything and you are starting off with an excellent foundation for deliciousness. A stir-fry is also a great veggie option for any holiday table. However, many stir-fry recipes call for sugar. Um, no thank you! Averie Cooks has a great recipe that allows you to omit sugar altogether. So, yes, please. Just add more applesauce if you need more of a sweet fix. This 15-minute, tangy, refreshing stir-fry is a great vegetarian dish that is sweet enough for kids and tasty enough for the sophisticated aka adults. Get the recipe.

Now that we’ve been good, let’s be bad.

Applesauce Macaroni and Cheese with Apple Sausage

Adventures in Cooking

All holidays are incomplete without macaroni and cheese, right? Well, at least it will be after you have tried this recipe. Just imagine this thick, creamy, salty, spiced, and slightly sweet version. Using both gruyere and cheddar will make most taste buds weak in the knees, not to mention highlight the sweetness of the meat sausage cooked in applesauce. Get the recipe.

Ribs with BBQ Applesauce

PaleoLeap

Besides your traditional turkey and ham, your holiday table can definitely always use some ribs. However, a lot of BBQ sauce has a lot of unneeded sugar. Solution: Paleo Leap has a spicy-sweet marinade that uses applesauce instead of sugar and can double as a sauce to pour on top before serving. It is a juicy, savory, primal take on a family favorite that will surely be a huge hit. Get the recipe.

Now, let’s get to the sweets. As a butter, sugar, and egg substitute, we would be crazy not to give you applesauce dessert ideas!

Vegan Brownies

Chowhound

Chocolate makes most things better in my book, so let’s venture over there. Ever try a vegan brownie and hate it? Well, usually it’s because they’re too dry or hard. However, this recipe promises to transform that and delivers. The applesauce replaces the eggs, which helps to bind the brownies, and the vegetable oil keeps the brownies nice and moist. Get our Vegan Brownies recipe.

Autumn Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Cooking Classy

If fall had a flavor, a spice cake would be it. Nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger, allspice, clove, pecans, brown sugar, and applesauce give the cake a moist spiced caramel flavor that is balanced by the icing of the gods—cream cheese. This slightly more savory option is perfect for people who like cakes that aren’t just sugar and icing. Get the recipe.

To Die For Carrot Cake

Mom on Timeout

Now, I will die for nothing, but I would do a scandalous thing or two for a couple slices of this cake. The key to carrot cake is keeping it moist, so adding applesauce to the batter achieves just that. Couple it with carrot, pecan, coconut and, of course, cream cheese icing. Be wise (or naughty) and make one for yourself and one for sharing. Get the recipe.

Apple Cheesecake Smoothie

The Healthy Foodie

When the holiday meal is just too much and you cannot imagine eating anything more, you can always have a sip of something, right? This guilty pleasure smoothie gives you all the creaminess of the cheesecake with notes of apple and cinnamon without overfilling you. Yay! You can indulge once more! Get the recipe. 

Related Video: 3 Tricks for the Best Homemade Applesauce Ever

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A Texas Tailgate Goes International