Apple season!

One of the best bests to keeping your grocery costs down is to use produce that is in season. It’s more plentiful- which means it is cheaper- and it tastes better!

It’s apple season- so whether you and your family are hitting the apple orchard to pick them yourselves, or if you’ve loaded up your cart at the grocery store, here are some ideas for what you can do with those shiny red gems when you get them home.

 
Apple pie

The thought of baking an apple pie from scratch may have you a little nervous, but here is a really easy (and not totally from scratch) version.

Take two pre-made pie shells.  Peel and slice enough apples to fill the pie shell, so that the top is rounded. Toss the apple slices with a tbsp. each of brown sugar, cinnamon and lemon juice.  Fill the pie shell. Dot the apples with about four tsp of butter and place the other pie shell on top. Prick the top in several places for the steam to escape and bake for about 30 min in a 350 degree oven (or until top is browned).

I bet you didn’t know you were such a good baker!

Apple slaw

Jazz up your salad by making apple slaw. Shred equal parts red and green cabbage and peeled apples. Toss together with mayo and a dash of honey to add a little sweetness.

Apple pork

Pork is often on sale, and makes for a great main, but can be very dry.  Chop pork tenderloin into medallions, about an inch or less thick. Place in a baking dish. Fill the dish with apple juice, so that the pork is moist, but not submerged. Place peeled apple slices on top, and sprinkle with rosemary. Bake at 425 for about 40 minutes, or until pork is cooked through.