Cooking apples are a great way to get the most out of the fruit from your garden or local orchard. Apple harvesting season comes around once a year and knowing what to do with all the potential food is important for any avid gardener or fruit lover. There are lots of ways to use apples in your cooking as you can bake, stew, or simply eat them fresh. Here are seven of the most useful techniques for getting the best out of your cooking apples.
Firstly, use the apples to make a delicious apple pie. Get the best flavour out of your apples by using a mixture of different types and heating them in the oven with the addition of sugar, butter and other spices. This is a great way to get a tasty and wholesome dessert at the end of a long day. Secondly, bake an apple crumble. This traditional dish is a perfect way to enjoy the apples in a meal all year round. Simply mix diced apples with sugar, butter, cinnamon and flour and then bake in the oven for a hearty crumble.
Thirdly, add grated apples to a casserole for added taste. Grated apples can provide a unique flavour to the dish and add a great texture. Fourthly, try making an apple crisp with oats, nuts and spices. This is a great way to enjoy the natural sweetness of the apples and can be served hot or cold. Fifthly, poach your apples for a healthier way of cooking them. This method of cooking is a great way to get more vitamins into your diet and can be served as a side dish.
Sixthly, apples can also be used in a smoothie or fruit salad. Chop the apples up into chunks and layer the pieces with other fruits such as blueberries and bananas. Seventhly, why not try making apple cider vinegar. Boil the apples in water and then mix with some vinegar to create a delicious and flavourful condiment. This final method utilizes the apples and adds another dimension to any dish you’re cooking with it.
Making Applesauce
Making applesauce is a wonderful way to use the apples from your tree. Applesauce is easy and quick to make, and with just a few steps, you can make a delicious, healthy snack or side. To make applesauce, start by washing the apples and removing any blemishes. Next, core the apples and either cube them or shred them. Simmer the cubes in water or cider with a pinch of cinnamon and sugar until they are soft. Then, mash the apples with a potato masher or blend them with a blender to make a smooth sauce.
Making a Chutney
Making a chutney is an excellent way to use your cooking apples. A chutney is a sweet and sour condiment made from a mixture of fruits, herbs and spices. To make a chutney, start by washing and dicing the apples. Put the apples into a pot with some apple cider vinegar, onions, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and your choice of herbs and spices. Simmer the mixture until the apples have softened and the mixture has thickened. Once the chutney is cooled, enjoy it with cheese, crackers, sandwiches or as a side dish to a main meal.
Making Apple Jam
Making apple jam is a great way to make use of cooking apples. Apple jam is a delicious topping or spread that can be used on toast or added to desserts or baking. To make apple jam, start by prepping the apples by peeling and coring them. Put the apples into a pot with a small amount of sugar, lemon juice and spices. Simmer the mixture until the apples have softened and the sugar has melted into a syrup-like consistency. Then, blend the mixture until it has reached your desired smoothness, allowing for a little chunky texture. Transfer the jam into clean jars and store for up to a month.
Making Apple Sorbet
Making apple sorbet is a refreshing way to enjoy cooking apples. Sorbet is a light and smooth frozen dessert made with simple syrup and fresh ingredients. To make apple sorbet, start by coring and blending the apples with a pinch of salt. Once the apples are blended, gradually add a simple syrup, which is a mixture of equal parts of water and sugar. Then, freeze the mixture for several hours until it is solid. Scoop out and enjoy your homemade apple sorbet.
Making Apple Butter
Making apple butter is an easy and delicious way to use your cooking apples. Apple butter is a rich and flavorful paste made with apples, sugar, spices and butter. To make apple butter, start by washing and peeling the apples, then place them in a pot with some water. Simmer the apples until they break down, then add your choice of spices and a bit of butter. Finally, thing down the mixture until it reaches a thick, creamy consistency. Enjoy your homemade apple butter on toast or use it as an ingredient in baking.
Making Apple-Flavored Baked Goods
Making apple-flavored baked goods is an easy and tasty way to use your cooking apples. A variety of doughs, batters and pies can be infused with natural apple flavor to create delectable baked treats. To make an apple-flavored treat, start by cubing or shredding the apples and adding them to your base recipe with additional spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg. Be sure to adjust the recipe’s sugar content to ensure the sweetness of the treat is balanced with the apples’ tartness. After a couple of hours of cooling and/or chilling, enjoy your homemade apple-flavored treat.
