The Very Versatile Apple

When I think of fall, I think of apples, winter squash and pumpkins.  This produce is all in season for November, so the prices should be good and you can maybe save a buck.  But today Grandma's Kitchen Recipes wants to talk about apples.  In doing some research Grandma’s Kitchen Recipes learned a thing or two about apples.  I already knew that some varieties were better for cooking than others.  I learned how truly versatile apples are.  Here are some tips from Grandma’s Kitchen Recipes on how to pick the proper apple for the proper recipe, so that you can cook with success.

Apples That are Good for Cooking/Baking

1.      Braeburn

2.      Cameo

3.      Cortland

4.      Empire

5.      Fuji

6.      Gala

7.      Ginger Gold

8.      Golden Delicious

9.      Granny Smith

10   Idared

11.  Jonagold

12.  Jonathan

13.  Rome Beauty

Apples That are Good for Freezing

1.      Honeycrisp

2.      Red Delicious

Now you can see how many varieties of apples we have today.  Some are good for cooking, some for baking, but all are good for just taking a bite out of!  Apples are versatile.  You can make cakes, applesauce, apple butter, apple pies, apple salads, even sprinkle apples on your oatmeal or in your pancakes.  Grandma's Kitchen Recipes' personal favorite is the Braeburn apple.  It is good for pies, sauces, baking, freezing and snacking.  Braeburns are just a bit tart, but not so much as a Granny Smith.  How about one of my favorites from Grandma’s Kitchen Recipes?  I’ll share this great apple cake with you.

Grandma’s Kitchen Recipes’ German Apple Cake

Makes 12-16 servings

Ingredients

3 eggs

2 cups sugar

1 cup vegetable oil

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2 cups unbleached flour

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon baking soda

¼ teaspoon salt

4 cups peeled and finely chopped, Braeburn apples

¾ cup chopped pecans

Frosting:

1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened

2 teaspoons melted butter or margarine, softened

2 cups confectioners’ sugar

Directions

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.  Spray vegetable spray onto a 13” x 9” x 2” baking dish.  In a large mixing bowl beat the eggs, sugar, oil and vanilla.  Sift together the flour, cinnamon, baking soda and salt; add to the egg mixture and mix well.  Fold in the apples and pecans.  Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.  Cool.

In a small mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter.  Add the confectioners’ sugar, beating until smooth.  Spread over the cool cake and refrigerate.

Grandma's Kitchen Recipes has veered from the light and healthy. This is not a low calorie/low fat recipe.  And Grandma's Kitchen Recipes is as a loss to come up with a way to alter the recipe to make it healthier.  You will just have to eat a small piece and send the rest home with the grandkids!  




How about a healthy alternative apple dessert.  Take a look at this:

Grandma's Kitchen Recipes Apple Raisin Crisp
serves 6


Ingredients
2 pounds Granny Smith Apples, peeled, cored and sliced (about 5 1/2 cups)
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup fresh squeezed orange juice
1/3 cup sugar (or substitute that is suitable for baking)
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon


Topping Ingredients
1/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
3/4 cup quick cooking oatmeal
1/2 finely chopped walnuts
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
2 tablespoons light stick margarine or butter, melted


Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Lightly spray an 8 inch square baking pan with vegetable oil spray.  Combine the filling ingredients, except the nutmeg and 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon.  Put into baking dish, then sprinkle the nutmeg and 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon over the top.  In a small bowl combine the topping ingredients.  Sprinkle over the apple mixture.  Bake for 40 minutes or until apples are tender.  Serve slightly warm.

Apples can satisfy that sweet craving that you get.  And remember, an apple a day keeps the doctor away.  Until next time, Grandma’s Kitchen Recipe says have fun cooking with apples and-enjoy life!

Nanna Dorie