Fall is in the air. Don’t miss the delicious, locally grown apples ready for the picking in the produce section at McCaffrey’s. Apples are prepackaged with nutrition in mind. One medium apple provides about 100 calories along with 4 grams of filling fiber and plenty of vitamin C. Whether sweet or tart, crisp or crunchy, there is an apple to suit almost everyone’s taste. Bite into an apple today, or get a bit creative with some of the following ideas:
- Enjoy this Homemade Applesauce recipe. A delicious and guilt-free treat, whether on its own or on the side.
- Indulge in a sweet Baked Apple. Oats, raisins and chopped walnuts make this easy to prepare dessert a palate pleaser.
- For a healthy bite, try these tasty Apple Canapes for an appetizer or snack. Simply top crispy apple slices with feta cheese, crunchy walnuts, and a drizzle of honey for a hint of sweetness.
- Add cut up or chopped apples to just about anything, from hot or cold cereal to stir fry and muffins. But don’t stop there. Chopped apples add texture and flavor to chicken salad, tuna salad, vegetable salad and potato salad. Chopped apples are also a great addition to pasta and grain dishes.
- This easy to make classic Waldorf Salad is lightened up by substituting high fat mayonnaise for fat free yogurt. With about 100 calories a serving, this dish can be prepared in minutes.
- For another salad filled with fall flavors, don’t miss this hearty Apple Gorgonzola Salad. Paired with a dressing of sweet balsamic vinegar and spicy mustard, this tasty salad is a win-win!
- The next time you have a burger, try this crispy Apple Cabbage Slaw. You can’t go wrong with this simple low-fat slaw with just 55 calories per serving.
- Kids and adults alike will love these Peanut Butter Apple Wedges, a great option for a healthy snack or dessert!
- Make a chutney: Finely dice a Gala apple and a Bartlett pear. Mix the fruit together along with 1 Tablespoon of lemon juice, 1 Tablespoon of chopped cilantro, 1 clove finely chopped garlic, ¼ Cup finely chopped red onion and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Chill at least 2 hours to allow flavors to meld. This quick recipe makes 4 – 4½ Cup servings. Enjoy the chutney on a turkey sandwich, on a pork chop or a piece of grilled chicken.
- Spark up dinner with this delicious Chicken Thighs with Apples recipe. This chicken dish baked in an apple cider sauce, along with cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg will become a regular on the menu this fall.
- Enjoy sliced apples in a Peanut Butter Dip: Mix 1 cup plain non-fat Greek Yogurt with 3 Tablespoons creamy peanut butter and 1-2 Tablespoons maple syrup or honey. HINT: Soften up peanut butter by heating it up in the microwave for a few seconds.
- FYI: Did you know you can freeze apples? Slice (peel if desired) and place on a cooking sheet. Once frozen, put in a zip lock freezer bag. Frozen apples work best in cooked apple dishes, soups, or smoothies.
