APPLES!

Oh my goodness.  It's the first of September!!

I read in our local city paper that this year's apple crop, throughout the nation, will be small.  This is partly due to the mild winter we had and partly, here in our own state of New York, to a heavy frost that happened AFTER the blossoms had begun.  Either way, it's going to be "slim pickings".

Therefore, when I saw some JonnyMacs from a local farm on sale at a fave store, I decided to buy a half peck.  My husband doesn't seem to care for just eating apples....except in pie!  My youngest prefers them fresh off the tree or made into muffins or bread.  She does NOT like pie.  My oldest, away at college, likes to slice them and dip in Nutella (I like that, too!) and seems to like them in muffins, breads, and pies.  She even likes them in oatmeal. 

image taken from 123rf.com

So....it's been awhile since I've done a "nutrition nuggets" post and it's definitely time for another recipe idea so I'm combining the two for you to enjoy.  And yes....you have permission to copy this post :)

Now that we are in "apple season", what are some ways we can enjoy this delicious fruit besides just eating one fresh and whole? (which is ALWAYS good for you....leave the skin on  to gain the most health benefits!)

Here are some ideas for various ways to serve fresh apples:

BREAKFAST

 Apple slices on oatmeal

Bake Apple Muffins (see recipe following tips)

Make Apple Pancakes....chop the apples very fine

LUNCH

Apple sliced on peanut butter sandwich

Apple slices with thin turkey slices and cheddar cheese on a whole wheat roll

Apple slices in a popcorn chicken/lettuce and walnut wrap

SNACK

Chopped apple and put into a fave yogurt; add some granola

Apple slices and cheese

Apple slices dipped in Nutella

DINNER

Stir fry some pork chops cut into strips and add apple slices or chunks to a bed of greens. Toss on some walnuts and add a light honey vinaigrette dressing.

TIPS:  Use fresh, local apples as much as you can!  For families who enjoy homemade applesauce, save it in large air-tight containers and keep in fridge or freeze.  Add to pancake mix or cookie recipes.  Our family doesn't really care for applesauce although we sometimes have it with grilled pork chops.  I find it time consuming to make and you need LOTS of apples for a family of 4.

And here is my youngest daughter's FAVORITE apple muffin recipe.  I make this often once school starts...they are delicious in the morning. Just pop one in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.  She likes hers with a large glass of water and a small glass of grape juice.  I like mine with a boiled egg (I'm a protein fan for morning meals...less on the carbs!) and a large mug of coffee! Try them....they are a delicious way to start your morning!  I plan on making our first batch on Monday morning and freezing a few for when my weekends get too busy to bake!

HOMEMADE SPICY APPLE MUFFINS

1 c. flour

1/2 c. whole wheat flour

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

1 tsp cinnamon

1/4 tsp nutmeg

1/2 tsp grated orange peel

2 eggs, beaten

3/4 c. brown sugar

1/4 c. canola oil

1 tsp lemon juice

3/4 c. chopped apple

• Combine the first 7 ingredients.
• Combine remaining ingredients in a separate bowl, then pour over the dry mixture, stirring JUST to moisten.  DO NOT OVER STIR!
• Spoon into greased muffin cups (I use Pam baking spray).
• Bake in a 350 degree oven for about 20-25 minutes.

TIPS:  you can also add 3/4 c. grated carrot with the apples to make carrot-apple muffins. AND if you don't have whole wheat flour in the house, simply use regular flour in that measurement or the whole grain white.  Both work well.  Are your mornings as rushed as mine are?? ( I have to do my stretching work-out, a shower, get a child off to junior high, and eat and get my self to work!).  If your mornings are hectic, too, simply bake these on a weekend and store in an air-tight container. You can freeze some in a gallon sized Ziplock baggie for up to 2 months.  Thaw in fridge and simply pop in microwave when you want one!  I also will send some to our oldest who's away at college...she'll most likely enjoy them as a quick breakfast before rushing off to class!  You can also make them in the evenings, after your dinner hour...they don't take long at all! Get the children involved by having them chop the apples!! I usually use 2-3 apples for this recipe.

ENJOY!!