Turns out the old saying about apples keeping the doctor away just might be true. Apples are packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber, along with minimal calories. It is probably our most versatile fruit. Apples can be made into soup, main dishes, and desserts of all kinds since it works well with savory and sweet alike. With all of the great dishes that can be made with apples, now is the best time of year to visit your Farmer’s Market for a wide variety to choose from, or better yet, find an apple orchard to pick your own. That’s just what my daughters, Kristina and Kara did recently, along with Kara’s friend, Nergis, who was in for a visit from New York City. We are very fortunate to have a wonderful orchard right here in our hometown.
The girls had a great time selecting Jonathans, Golden Delicious, Red Delicious, and Empire. Since Kara and Nergis were former roommates in New York City, they selected (what else?!) the Empire apples first!
Upon their return home, I couldn’t wait to get out my favorite apple bowls, which belonged to my great-aunt Margery. These beautiful apple-motif bowls rank among the Midwest’s prized collectibles. Made during the 1950’s by the Watt Pottery Company, these clear-glazed, hand-painted potteries were first sold at five-and-dime stores, along with hardware and grocery stores that gave them away as promotions. Three apple bowls used to sell for 98 cents, and are now worth about $150.
After looking through all my apple cookbooks, I decided the one featured here was my favorite. I have been cooking from this book for over 20 years. The Apple Cookbook, from 1984, won an R.T. French Tastemaker Award for Best Cookbook. The book has just about everything you would want to know about apples, along with some of the best apples recipes you will find anywhere. The first part of the book I find is the crisps and crumbles. They can be made quickly and without a lot of fuss or driving to the store for ingredients; most are right in your pantry. I love the curry-apple meat loaf, which can also be made into meatballs. Apple butter and applesauce are made and canned for gifts. But in the end, it’s all about the pie. What is better than a good apple pie? No matter what you desire to make from apples this fall, this book will offer you a bushel of great recipes.
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