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

from Food News – Chowhound https://ift.tt/2CCsDiD
via IFTTT

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

from Food News – Chowhound https://ift.tt/2lWHVXZ
via IFTTT

A Texas Tailgate Goes International

Gifts for Those Who Are Obsessed with Apples

We’ve officially entered the season of fuzzy sweaters and pumpkin spice-inspired weather, and while fall is arguably the most glorious time of all, apples—one of mother nature’s greatest gifts—are in full swing. Typically harvested in late August through early November (depending on the variety), apples are kind of the unsung heroes of the season. Often passed over for pumpkins and gourds of every variety, apples, like a bold glass of Barolo, or binging a “My Crazy Ex” marathon on Lifetime, are dependable and always get the job done.

So if you’re looking to take your love for apples to the next level, or if you have an apple addict you’re eager to show some love, from a crisp apple champagne and apple infused vodka to a delightful apple ice cube tray and apple scented air freshener, here’s a look at some of the most thoughtful apple-inspired gift ideas for the apple lover in your life.

Apple Champagne

Pommery

Champagne POMMERY ($67)

Champagne POMMERY’s latest release is made from 100 percent chardonnay grapes and features bright notes of apple, making it a solid choice for apple lovers. If you’re worried that this champagne will be too sweet or apple heavy, don’t be. This is a nicely balanced champagne with subtle, floral apple and grapefruit notes and flavors including yellow grapefruit, creating the perfect apple-forward sip.See It

Apple Gift Basket

Harry & David

Harry & David Southern Living Apple Gift Tray ($79)

Everyone loves the feeling of getting that Harry & David gift basket in the mail and this Southern Living Apple Gift Tray is no exception. A smorgasbord of apple-centric gifts from apple butter and apple chutney to caramel apple dipping sauce, this is a beautiful spread perfect for apple fans.See It

Apple Paperweight

Tiffany & Co.

Tiffany & Co. Apple Paperweight ($135)

Paperweights are one of those things, like slipper socks or a Bath & Body Works bath bomb, that people will seldom buy for themselves but are always a welcomed and appreciated gift. Which is exactly why this beautiful crystal apple paperweight from Tiffany’s is a great option for the apple addict in your life.See It

Apple Ice Cube Tray

Amazon

Amazon Apple Ice Cube Tray ($6.99)

Okay, so this apple-shaped ice cube tray is not only the cutest apple-inspired gift on this carefully-curated apple gift guide, it’s also extremely practical. Allow me to explain. Fill it up with apple juice and make apple-flavored popsicles, or freeze a few cubes of apple juice and pop ’em into your guests glasses at your next fall holiday party. So many options to choose from in one adorable gift.See It

Apple Peeler/Corer

Williams Sonoma

Williams Sonoma Apple Peeler and Corer ($29.95)

This may seem like an obvious choice, but a good apple peeler is core to any chefs kitchenette. And while this Williams Sonoma apple peeler/corer may look like a modern day torture device, it’s a tried, tested, and apple lover approved gadget.See It

Apple Face Mask

Lancer

Lancer Skincare Omega Hydrating Oil Mask ($120 for 4)

For the beauty and skincare obsessed, Lancer Skincare’s Omega Hydrating Oil features apple stem cell compounds that provides a tighter and more lifted appearance. In case you were wondering what apple stem cells are, all you need to know is that the ingredient is capable of reducing wrinkles and this product, which was created by the Dr. Harold Lancer (dermatologist to celebs including Victoria Beckham, Kim Kardashian, and Beyoncé) is a nice gift for anyone looking to take their apple affection to the next level.See It

Apple Brandy

Boardroom Spirits

Boardroom Spirits Apple Brandy ($35)

Fall is a great time to experiment with new flavors and this Boardroom Spirits’s Apple Eau De Vie Style Brandy, which uses 100 percent real Pennsylvania-grown red apples from Frecon Farms, is a great way to challenge your taste buds. Sip it on its own, pour it over ice, or mix it cocktail style and capture the harvest-fresh aroma, flavor, and essence of fall in one fell swoop.See It

Apple Wine

Chaddsford Winery

Chaddsford Winery Spiced Apple Wine ($14)

Fruit wines are somewhat of a personal preference. However, this Spiced Apple Wine by Chaddsford Winery is a delicious blend of apple, cinnamon, and spice that can be tried individually, in a cocktail (like their Spiced Apple Ginger Mule), or warmed up for a soothing hot mulled wine.See It

Apple Scented Products

Febreze

Febreze Fresh-Pressed Apple Spray ($3.29-$9.49)

Febreze is bringing all the apple scented products including their limited-edition Fresh-Pressed Apple air freshener, plug, candle, and wax. While prices vary depending on the retailer, these are a great and inexpensive way to give the gift of smell for the apple lovers all day long.See It

Country Apple Pie

Bake Me A Wish

Bake Me A Wish Apple Pie ($39.95)

Finally, you can’t have an apple gift guide without fall’s most iconic dish, so to round this list out, we have an apple pie delivery service by Bake Me A Wish. The pie comes premade so all you have to do is heat it for a few minutes before serving. And don’t forget the vanilla ice cream.See It

Related Video: How to Make Spiced Apple Chips

from Food News – Chowhound https://ift.tt/2EllYe6
via IFTTT

Wild Rice Salad With Dried Cranberries, Pickled Apples, and Pecans

Get Recipe!

from Serious Eats: Recipes https://ift.tt/2C5RF8O
via IFTTT

Wild Rice Salad With Mushrooms, Celery Root, and Pine Nuts

Get Recipe!

from Serious Eats: Recipes https://ift.tt/2RG90KQ
via IFTTT

What Is the Difference Between Apple Juice and Apple Cider?

What Are Apple Cider Doughnuts and Why Do They Taste So Good?

Before pumpkins swooped in and stole the show, apples were the go-to fall treat. The season wasn’t complete without an apple picking trip or a mug of hot cider on a cold night. Now, it feels like the fruit has become second fiddle.

But apple cider doughnuts just might make you forget about your pumpkin spice craze, if only briefly. (Though let’s be honest: There’s plenty of room for both this autumn). Anything fried is going to be delicious, so once you infuse apple cider and ground cinnamon into your batch, the doughnuts will treat your taste buds to a fall festival. Of course, a generous helping of butter also does the trick.

For those lucky New York residents, the Carpe Donut truck makes its way from location to location in its red van, handing out the scrumptious treat (with some organic ice cream from Blue Marble to top it all off). It’s a fantastic surprise seeing it parked on your block, and it’s incredibly difficult to pass up. But if you’re not in the Big Apple (see what I did there?) and you’re thinking about switching up your autumn sweets, try these takes on the apple cider doughnut.

Apple Cider Doughnut Muffins

Boston Girl Bakes

As if apple cider doughnuts weren’t inventive enough, the genius behind the Boston Girl Bakes blog offers hungry readers a muffin version of the autumn treat. Obviously, this little tweak to the snack makes it a perfect dessert or breakfast option. Heather, the creator of the blog, dips the muffins into melted butter and rolls them in cinnamon and sugar. How sweet can you get? Get the recipe.

Greek Yogurt Apple Cider Doughnuts

Handmade Is Better

These fall favorites get a bit of oomph thanks to the recipe featured in the Handmade Is Better blog. This take on the treat calls for a Greek yogurt glaze in addition to the apple cider and cinnamon. A bit of maple syrup is not required, but highly encouraged. Get the recipe.

New England Apple Cider Doughnut Bread

Kenarry

Carrie, the blogger behind Kenarry, serves up carb-induced coma with a touch of apple…and we’re not complaining. She teams up with Robin from A Home To Grow Old In to present us with a loaf of the out-of- this-world bread. The bread is sprinkled with white sugar and includes a hint of nutmeg. You’re going to want a warm drink when you have a slice of this. Get the recipe.

Apple Cider Fritters

SugarHero

When we caught a recipe for Apple Cider Fritters on a blog titled “Sugar Hero,” you better believe we perked up. These bad boys feature anything and everything one could possibly want with this dessert: apples (so you’re kind of, sort of being healthy, though not really) nutmeg, cinnamon, brown sugar, powdered sugar — the works. It’s complete with an apple cider glaze concentrate, really adding to the sweetness. You’ll spend plenty of time in the kitchen, but it’ll be so worth it. Get the recipe.

Apple Cider Hushpuppies

The Cozy Apron

Oh sorry, what did you say? I was too busy dumping my Apple Cider Hushpuppies in a bowl of maple syrup. The Granny Smith Apple dessert actually does have a hint of pumpkin pie spice — ½ teaspoon to be exact, so you’ll get the best of both fall treats with this. The creative genius behind The Cozy Apron knows the way to our autumn-loving hearts. Get the recipe.

Apple Cider Doughnuts With Maple Cream Frosting

Simple Roots Wellness

Maple cream frosting. Need I say more? This is taking the ice cream scoop up a notch. The recipe on Simple Roots Wellness is the way to go, thanks in large part to the pairing with Roxbury Mountain’s organic maple cream. Get the recipe.

Apple Cider Doughnut Cake

Two In The Kitchen

Obviously, this is a must for anyone in your family with a fall birthday. The apple-cinnamon taste is the perfect way to ring in a new year. A big thank-you to the husband-wife duo behind Two in the Kitchen, Renee and Erik, for thinking outside the box and allowing the apple cider doughnut to realize its full potential. Get the recipe.

Related Video: Caramel Apple Coffee Cake

from Food News – Chowhound https://ift.tt/2wFUzPP
via IFTTT