If you’re somehow sick of apple pie, these recipes are calling your name.
Apples are in season and ripe for the picking where I live in Northern California. Even though most of us are lucky enough to have access to apples year-round, the texture and flavor of freshly picked varieties are unmatched! Katie knows it — the woman can’t resist a round of apple picking! (Unsurprising, given how much she loves her garden.)
OK but real talk: How many of you go apple picking because it sounds nice, and then you have a whole sack of apples to eat before they go bad? Or come home with loads of apples only to realize you’ll now have to make three apple pies because you don’t know what else to do with them?
Not to fret! There’s more you can make with apples besides apple pie. So, if you’re wondering what to do with them apples after picking, look no further.
To take advantage of apples at their peak, here are a few simple ideas for enjoying those freshly picked Gala, Fuji, and Gravensteins this season.
Amanda Haas’ Easy Recipes for After Apple-Picking
Freshly Pressed Apple Juice
Once you’ve tasted freshly pressed apple juice, it’s pretty hard to go back to store-bought.
- Using any standard juicer — I am currently obsessed with my Breville 3X Bluicer, which is a blender and juicer in one — turn it on to the high setting for firm fruits and vegetables.
- If necessary, quarter any apples (I’d use my Zwilling Chef’s Knife) that won’t fit through the chute whole. There is no need to remove the stems or seeds before juicing.
- Juice any variety of apples you like. If using sweeter apples, adding a squeeze of lemon juice really balances the flavor.
- Skim the foam off the top of the fresh juice if desired before drinking.
- Refrigerate for up to 2 days, making sure to stir it before using. (The color will change over time, so I prefer to use mine immediately.)
- Pro Tip: For a delicious cocktail, combine 3 oz. of fresh apple juice with 1.5 oz. of bourbon or tequila. Shake and pour over ice. Serve with an orange or lemon twist and the perfect fall cocktail is born!
Mulled Apple Cider
OK, one more apple cocktail to make with your fresh apple juice.
- Place 4 cups of fresh apple juice in a medium saucepan.
- Add a cinnamon stick, 3 whole cloves, a ½” slice of ginger, and a 1” piece of orange zest to the pan.
- Place over medium heat and bring to a simmer, then immediately turn off the heat and allow the spices to steep for 10-15 minutes. Discard the spices before serving.
- Pour the cider into 4 Moscow Mule mugs — I like the feel of these hammered copper mugs. Garnish with whipped cream if desired, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce over the whipped cream.
Apples and Cheddar Cheese Plate
There is something truly special about this combination — sharp and sweet! Sure, you can top off your favorite apple pie recipe with a slice of cheddar before serving, but an easier idea is to cut up a few of your favorite apple varieties and serve them with cheddar cheese and crackers on a cheese plate — slate looks amazing with the apples and cheese and is really durable. There are no rules to pairing these two ingredients, but I tend to lean toward sharper cheddar when the apple varieties are really sweet.
Salads
Apples add texture, crunch, and a sweet balance to savory salads.
- Throw some cubed or thinly sliced apples into your next mixed green salad, then add some nuts, some crumbled cheese, and a few seeds before dressing.
- Or try dicing them finely (use this bargain knife that will totally last!) and mixing them into your favorite chicken salad. I especially love them in curried chicken salad!
Caramel Apples
We’ve all had caramel apples that have been sitting in a store for days on end. Imagine how much better they taste when using fresh apples and freshly melted caramel!
- Simply melt packaged caramels according to the directions on the package.
- Allow to cool for a few minutes, then place in a bowl and serve with fresh apple slices.
- Dip away!
Tools for Apple Recipes
Breville 3X Juicer
Breville
Even when apple season is over, you’ll find yourself using this juicer. There are endless recipes to create, and I love that it’s both a juicer and a blender — versatility is key!
Zwilling Gourmet 8-inch Chef’s Knife
Zwilling
Slicing, dicing, filleting, this knife can do it all. Not only is the blade extremely sharp (and it stays sharp for a long time), but the handle is ergonomic. It feels great in your hand while using it, and it won’t slip out of your grip easily.
Fortessa Crafthouse Stainless Steel Cocktail Shaker and Tool Set
Food 52
A good cocktail set can make so much more than, well, cocktails. Use this stainless steel shaker to blend up mocktails, iced coffees, or your bar favorite. While the multi-use capabilities are amazing, we love that it also can be easily stored away when not in use (no separate bar cart required).
Hammered Copper Mugs
Walmart
Dress up any drink by pouring it into a copper mug. This set comes with four cups, straws, and a shot glass so you and your friends can drink in style. Copper actually keeps drinks colder for longer, too, so you’re less likely to be sipping on a watered down cocktail at the end of the night.
Slate Cheese Board
Williams Sonoma
The second most important ingredient to having a near-perfect charcuterie platter? A slate cheese board. Not only does it serve as a beautiful backdrop against light-colored cheeses, but you can actually label your spread by writing out names in chalk on the board. When it’s time to clean up, throw this in the dishwasher for a quick wash, and it’s good as new.
OXO Serrated Utility Knife
OXO
Contrary to popular belief, you can actually get a long-lasting, high-quality knife for only a few bucks. This one from OXO has sharp, serrated teeth that are great for things like bread and tomatoes, and the blade is made from stainless steel, so it won’t rust if accidentally left in the sink.
