Apple Season is Just Around the Corner!

If you’re anything like me, apple season in Ontario is one of your favourite times of the year! Nothing beats biting into a freshly picked apple grown in the same summer sun you’ve been enjoying. Whether you like your apples sweet or tart, crunchy or more on the soft side, there’s a market for any apple.

Given the different varieties, you’ll have quite a few to choose from. If you like them more on the tart side, look for varieties like Granny Smith, McIntosh, Pink Lady, and Cosmic Crisp. Prefer something sweeter, look for Honeycrisp, Ambrosia, and Gala. Looking for a blend of both apple worlds? You’ll never go wrong with Braeburn, Jazz, or SugarBee.

Not sure what to do with all the apples you’re going to buy? A great way to prepare them for longer storage is to freeze them. All you need to do is remove the core and slice them (if you want to peel them first, that’s completely up to you), and put them on a baking tray in a single layer to freeze flat. Once they’re frozen, transfer them to your preferred storage container and pull out what you need when you need it. It’s super easy and means you always have apple slices on hand for a warm apple pie or crisp, or to make applesauce with.

Looking for something to enjoy closer to harvest? Try these recipes!

APPLE PIE BAKED APPLES

INGREDIENTS

• 3 Granny Smith apples
• 3 pink lady apples
• 1 tbsp. warm water
• 2 tsp. cornstarch
• 2 tbsp. butter
• Juice from 1/2 a lemon
• 1 tsp. cinnamon, plus more for sprinkling
• 1/3 c. granulated sugar, plus more for sprinkling
• 1 refrigerated pie crust
• 1 large egg beaten with 1 tbsp. milk (egg wash)
• Caramel, for drizzling

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Peel and dice one green and one red apple. Slice off tops and, using a melon baller, hollow out the remaining apples. Set aside.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together warm water and cornstarch.
3. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Add diced apples, lemon juice, cinnamon, and sugar. Bring to a simmer and cook until apples are tender, about 5 minutes. Add in cornstarch mixture and cook 5 minutes more.
4. Place hollowed out apples in a baking dish and fill with cooked apple mixture.
5. On a piece of wax paper, roll out pie dough and cut into 4 circles. Slice each circle into thin strips. Make a lattice top on each apple, trimming any excess.
6. Brush crust with egg wash and sprinkle with more cinnamon sugar. Bake until apples are tender, and the crust is golden, about 28 to 30 minutes.
7. Drizzle with caramel before serving.

APPLESAUCE

INGREDIENTS

• 3 pounds apples peeled, cored, and chopped (about 6 medium)
• ⅓ cup water
• 2-4 tablespoons sugar (or adjust to your personal tastes)
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Combine all ingredients in a sauce pan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a low simmer and cover.
2. Cook 15-20 minutes or until apples are very tender. Remove lid and simmer an additional 5 minutes to thicken.
3. Mash apples with a masher for a chunky consistency or blend/puree with an immersion blender for a smooth consistency.
4. Serve warm or chilled.

We’d love to hear from you! Do you have any special apple recipes to share, or have a favourite apple??

Let’s catch up soon,

Julie