By Annette Smith, UCCE Master Food Preserver
Everything Apple
Fall is coming, and with it the excitement of apple season here in California’s Central Valley! Many families look forward to visiting Apple Hill, exploring the orchards, and discovering everything apple related. From craft booths and hayrides to fishing spots and activities for all ages, there’s something for everyone.
But have you ever wondered what people do with all those cases of apples they take home? One of the best ways to enjoy the harvest is by preserving them for later. Here are some fun and delicious recipes for preserving apples, with links you can access and try at home.
Apple Sauce
Apple Sauce is a delicious side dish with pork chops, ham or roasted chicken or a topping, on Latkas or potato pancakes. For baker’s, it is a great fat substitute in quick breads, muffins or brownies or as an egg substitute. However you like your apple sauce, this simple recipe with water-bath and pressure canning instructions will give you apple sauce for the coming winter months.
Apple Butter
Apple Butter has some amazing uses to enrich your food life. It can be used like jam or jelly on toast, bagels, pancakes or biscuits. For baking it adds moisture and natural sweetness to cakes and muffins. You can swirl it into quick breads or coffee cakes to enhance the spice flavors. It can be used as a tart or pie filling with a nutty crumble topping. Mix into glaze or marinade or BBQ sauce recipes. Use as a spread on a grilled ham & cheese sandwich for a sweet and savory surprise. Try this recipe.
Apple Pie Filling
Who doesn’t love a yummy apple pie? What better gift than a jar of apple pie filling for those apple treats later in the year? More than apple pies you can use in tarts, crumbles, turnovers, and coffee cakes. Apple pie filling warmed is great on pancakes or waffles and in crepes. It makes a lovely topping for ice cream, or you can blend it into a milkshake for a fun fall treat. Recipe
Apple Chutney
Apple Chutney is a sweet & savory preserve made with apples, vinegar, sugar and spices. It has bold and tangy flavors that make it versatile. It can be paired with pork, chicken, turkey or lamb. It makes a tasty addition to your holiday charcutier board, adds depth of flavor to sandwiches, burgers or hot dogs. It can be used in marinades and glazes or in stuffed pastries such as empanada or savory hand pies. Chutney Recipe
Apple Relish
Relish recipes were adapted from European and British traditions influenced by pickles and condiments from India. They are similar to chutneys, with a mild flavor and chunkier. Apple relish pairs well with pork, chicken, turkey and sausages. Relish adds a sweet-tangy flavor to sandwiches or roasted vegetables, can be used as a filling in pies or savory empanadas, or mixed into yogurt or sour cream for a flavorful dip. Relish Recipe
Dehydrated Apple Slices
Dehydrated apple slices are a versatile way to enjoy apples. Drying fruit is one of the oldest preservation methods. With home dehydrators, apple slices are a convenient snack and ingredient that retains much of its flavor and nutrients. They can be chopped and mixed into muffins or cakes. Apple slices can be rehydrated for baking and blending into smoothies, or steeped in hot water for tea. Dehydrating Instructions
Apple Fruit Leather
Fruit leather is a fun portable way to enjoy apples. Early civilizations would puree fruits and dry them in the sun or on flat stones. They are a good on the go snack and perfect treat for kids. Additional they can be chopped up and added to oatmeal or granola, folded into muffins, bread or cookies or rehydrated and blended into sauces, glazes or marinates. They are a fun snack wrapped around a cheese stick or with nuts of your choice. Fruit Leather
Image Credit: Image by congerdesign from Pixabay