Ontario Apple Season is Here at Vince’s Market!

Macintosh, Spye, Spartan, Ida Red, Empire… We are blessed here in Ontario with an abundance of locally grown apples.  From Golden and sweet, to red and tart – there are many delicious options to choose from.

The obvious way to enjoy apples is on the go, for the lunchbox and the briefcase, they are the perfect healthy snack.  Remember to wash your apples thoroughly to remove any residue or wax.

Apples are very versatile and are a great addition to many recipes…  When chopped into small cubes, apples make a great addition to most salads (add lemon juice to prevent them from turning brown).  A great combination is apples, pecans, grilled chicken with mixed greens.  Just add some olive oil, balsamic vinegar, sea salt and pepper for a simple and healthy lunch.

Why not start your day with some apple cinnamon oatmeal? Boil water with a bit of salt, and then add rolled oats or steel cut oats (try Bob Red Mills brand), chopped apples and cinnamon.  Cook to desired softness and then add milk, honey or maple syrup to sweeten. This is one of the healthiest ways to start your day!  Pressed for time in the morning? Prepare the night before in the slow cooker and take breakfast to go!

Now for everyone’s favorite, dessert.  Apples have a great texture and flavour for baking. Even the picky eaters will enjoy fruit when it is baked with cinnamon and maple syrup! Of course you could make a homemade apple pie, but here are some easier ideas for busy families.

• Apple Crisp: Slice 3-4 apples and place in a baking pan (greased with butter or vegetable oil). Sprinkle apples with cinnamon, rolled oats, coconut and melted butter or coconut oil.  Drizzle maple syrup on the top and sprinkle cinnamon.  Bake for about 30 minutes at 325°F until apples are tender.  You can also add berries for an apple-berry crumble!

• Campfire Apples:  I discovered this recipe as a kid at camp, it’s a great activity for the family bonfire or camping trip.  You will need one apple for each person.  Cut out the core in one piece and then cut 1 cm of each end and set aside.  Stuff the apple with 2 marshmallows and some cinnamon.  Put the ends of the core back on (to act as a plug).  Wrap the apple in aluminum foil and place on the hot coals of a campfire for about 45-60 minutes until softened.  Cool them off, and eat out of the foil with a spoon!

With so many ways to enjoy, eating an apple a day is so easy and so healthy! Do you have any unique apple recipes?  Send me your apple ideas and we will post them on this site to share with others…
Until next time,

Stephanie