Fallicious Apple Recipes

Fall is the time of the pumpkin! Don’t get me wrong, I love a good pumpkin recipe. But sometimes pumpkin just doesn’t do it. When you find yourself feeling a little lackluster about all things pumpkin spice, it’s time to turn to the other staple of autumn: the apple. While apples are available year-round, they are the best in the fall when they are fresh from being harvested. From main dishes to desserts, they are versatile and so full of flavor! I’ve gathered up three great apple recipes.

Fallicious Apple Recipes

Recipe 01: Apple Walnut Spinach Salad

A family favorite, this salad combines the sweet tartness of apples with the sharp creaminess of blue cheese. It’s a crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients:

• 10 oz. baby spinach
• 2 large apples cored and thinly sliced
• 1/2 red onion peeled and thinly sliced
• 1 c. toasted walnut halves
• 2/3 c. dried cranberries
• 5 oz. crumbled blue cheese
• 1/2 c. apple cider vinaigrette: 1/3 c. olive oil, 1/4 c. apple cider vinegar, 2 Tbsp. lemon juice, 1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard, 1 minced garlic clove, salt and pepper to taste, 1 Tbsp. honey if desired

Process:

Begin by putting the spinach, apples, onion, walnuts, cranberries, and half of the blue cheese into a large bowl. Then in a mason jar, combine all ingredients for the dressing and shake vigorously until completely combined. Next, drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to combine. Before serving, top with remaining blue cheese.

Recipe 02: Apple Cinnamon Pork Chops

Ingredients:

• 2 Tbsp. butter, divided
• 4 boneless pork loin chops
• 3 Tbsp. brown sugar
• 1 tsp. cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp. nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 4 thinly sliced tart apples
• 2 Tbsp. chopped pecans

Process:

In a large skillet (like this one), melt 1 Tbsp. butter over medium heat before adding the pork chops. Then cook the pork chops for about 5 minutes on each side. A meat thermometer should read 145F. While the meat is cooking, mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a small bowl.

When the pork chops are done, remove from the skillet and keep warm in an oven set at 200F. In the skillet, add remaining butter, brown sugar mixture, apples, and pecans. Cook this mixture over medium heat until the apples are tender. Then drizzle apple mixture over pork chops and serve.

Recipe 03: Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

Good luck keeping these from being eaten straight from the pan!

Ingredients:

• 2 c. flour
• 1/2 c. brown sugar
• 3/4 c. cubed cold butter
• 2 pkgs. cream cheese
• 1/2 c. + 2 Tbsp. sugar, divided
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• 2 lightly beaten eggs
• 3 peeled and chopped apples
• 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp. nutmeg
• Streusel: 3/4 c. flour, 3/4 c. brown sugar, 1/2 c. quick oats, 1/3 c. cubed cold butter, 1/3. c. hot caramel

Process:

Start by heating your oven to 350F. While it’s heating, mix together the flour and brown sugar and then cut in butter until the mixture is crumbly. Next, press the flour mixture into a greased 9×13 baking pan and bake for about 17 minutes (or lightly browned).

While the crust is baking, make the cream cheese mixture. Start by whipping the cream cheese, 1/2 c. sugar, and vanilla until fluffy and smooth. Then add in the eggs and mix until combined. Spread this mixture over the crust when it’s out of the oven.

Next, mix the apples with cinnamon, nutmeg, and remaining sugar until completely coated. Then spoon over cream cheese layer. Lastly, make the streusel by mixing flour, brown sugar, and oats before cutting in butter until nice and crumbly. Then sprinkle the streusel over the top. When everything has been layered, bake for 25-30 minutes or until the filling is set. Before serving, drizzle with caramel topping and cool for at least an hour before chilling in the fridge for at least two hours before cutting into bars. Serve and enjoy!

Now you’re set and ready to welcome fall with some yummy apple recipes! Happy cooking!