11 Ways to Use Apples

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Post by Contributing Writer, Katie

“Good apple pies are a considerable part of our domestic happiness.” ~ Jane Austen

A few weeks ago I got almost 30lbs of organic apples from my co-op (Azure Standard). Since then my house has been full of scent of apples and cinnamon. Apple days are so much fun! We have made apple butter, applesauce, apple pie, and apple cinnamon pancakes…well, you get the picture.

To inspire your own apple days here are 11 Ways to Use Apples, including no waste tips.

11 Ways to Use Apples

1. DYI Seasonal Autumn Crockpot Potpourri

Last month I shared simple ideas on how to keep your house smelling wonderful during the fall season. Apples and cinnamon sticks make a great crockpot potpourri.

2. Easy Natural Caramel Apples

Caramel Apples are so delicious but sadly most of the time there are anything but healthy. Kimi offers a delicious, refined sugar free option that will leave your family and friends begging for more! Or, try Michele’s Natural Caramel Sauce/Dip recipe!

3. Cheesy Apple Rings

Sweet and savory find their match in Michele’s quick and easy treat with little effort. This makes for a prefect snack or part of a light meal when paired with popcorn and carrot sticks.

4. Dried Apples

Dried apples are a snap to whip up; you just need patience to wait for the apples to dry. Once they are done, they are a perfect on the go snack. (If you don’t have a dehydrator, try making Apple Chips in the oven; skip the flavored gelatin for a more natural snack.)

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5. Applesauce

Applesauce is always and tried a true classic. It doesn’t get much easier than this! Here is my quick recipe on how to make applesauce in your slow cooker.

6. Apple Butter

I love eating apple butter on a slice of homemade bread! It is a simple and seasonal treat. If you can apple butter, it will make for wonderful hostess or Christmas gifts.

7. Apple Cider

What says fall like a glass of apple cider? One of my favorite memories from when I was young was the year we pulled out our antic cider press and made apple cider.  There are sites that teach you how to press your own cider. I decided to go the cheater route and make it in my blender, straining the cider through cheesecloth; still delicious even if it isn’t the “real deal”.

8. Apple Pulp

If you are making apple cider, there is going to be leftover pulp. You can feed it to your chickens or add to zucchini bread recipes in place of the zucchini.

9. Apple Cider Vinegar

While you have cider, pulp and scraps you might want to think about making your own apple cider vinegar. I just started a jar. Ask me in a few months how it turned out. Meanwhile for inspiration check out these two methods of making the vinegar from apple cider or from apple scraps.

10.  Gluten-Free Apple Cinnamon Coffee Cake

You would never guess that this delectable treat is gluten free! Made with almond flour,  this apple cinnamon treat is sure to please.

11. Apple Pie

Last but not least, apple pie is a fall classic that I can’t go without having a few times. I love Diana’s recipe and video. Her pie uses fresh, real ingredients; no Crisco or refined white sugar in this beauty! I made mini apple pies for my girls a few weeks ago that they had so much fun eating!

What are your plans for the apple harvest this year?

Katie is a dorm “mama” to 12 amazing girls ages 8 to 18 at a home and school for the Deaf in Baja California, Mexico. She and her “hijas” can be frequently found in the kitchen, the garden or making friends with their new chickens. She loves to read, hike the hills near her home and spend time with her girls. In her spare time Katie blogs at Mexican Wildflower about nourishing foods, herbal remedies, simple living, raising her girls and encouraging other women in their walk with Christ.