Across the blogosphere pumpkin seems to the be perennial winner every fall. Once labor day hits (and probably even before), I notice my blog reader filling up with recipes for things sweet and savory like Pumpkin Choocolate Chip Cookie Pies, Pumpkin Chocolate Pudding, and Pumpkin Chili. Even though I don’t cook with it so often I find myself snatching what few remaining cans of pumpkin there are when I see them at the store, anticipating some kind of shortage. (Who knew food blogging would turn me into some kind of hoarder.)
But really, truly there is another kind of fall produce that has my heart: apples. Even though I know my viewpoint is probably less common, apples are more quintessential fall to me than pumpkins, possibly because they are usually accompanied with trips to some charming orchard. There my eyes are generally bigger than any sense of rationality. Every year without fail I over pick and endless baking and cooking projects follow.
With an apple picking trip on the horizon this weekend I’ve already been bookmarking delicious sounding recipes as well as reminding myself of those recipes I’ve made in the past and loved. Here are a few that are currently on my radar…
Appetizers:
My Tuna and Apple Tartare with Fresh Wasabi
Je Mange la Ville’s Acorn Squash, Apple & Sage Appetizer Puffs
My Salmon, Goat Cheese, and Apple Maki
Cara’s Cravings’ Baked Salmon Rangoon with Apple and Goat Cheese
Sides, Salads & Misc:
My Baked Polenta with Apples, Gruyere, and Bacon
The Novice Chef’s Pumpkin Cinnamon Applesauce
5 Star Foodie’s Fennel and Apple Gratin
Skinnytaste’s Cinnamon Apple Spiced Oatmeal
My Cauliflower Apple Puree with Chevre
Tri to Cook’s Apple Butter Vinaigrette
Cake, Batter & Bowl’s Apple Spinach Salad with Maple Walnuts
Main Dishes:
My Lobster Salad Stuffed Arepas
My Cider-Braised Pork Chops with Apples
Not Without Salt’s Fall’s Sandwich
5 Star Foodie’s Virginia Ham Wellington with Apple and Honey Bordelaise
In Good Taste’s White Bean & Apple Chili
Desserts:
My Apple Butter Coconut Crumble Bars
We are not Martha’s Apple Pie Ice Cream
Healthy Food for Living’s Caramel Apple Cider Shake
A Homemaker’s Habitat’s Apple Cherry Galette
Cinnamon Girl’s Mini Caramel Apple Cakes
Branappetit’s Maple Apple Walnut Bread
And should you be local to Chicago, my new neighborhood is putting on Apple Days through this Friday. Clearly an event after my own heart! Local businesses are offering up apple related specials and many more are giving out free apples. Chicago Culinarian has a full list. I’m especially intrigued by the sound of the Apple-Almond Spicy Salad at Thai Classic, since I don’t normally associate apples with Thai Cuisine.
What about you? What apple recipes are your fall favorites?
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oh my gosh, so many good recipes… thanks for all the links! and a reminder about my apple butter vinaigrette–totally need to make this again
great round up! and i definitely need to make that bread again soon. thanks for the link
LOVE Pumpkin and apple season!! It’s so lovely. These are such creative recipes, definitely bookmarking some for that peck and a half of apples I picked last weekend!
Thanks for featuring my recipe – and giving me some awesome ideas! I’m on a mission to use pears this year and I see some great inspiration here where pears could be used interchangeably… mmm
Your polenta just made my apple list
I love making cider. It is so much easier than I expected. Check out my blog for the recipe.
Shannon – My pleasure. So many goodies abound. It’s reminding me why I find fall to be the most inspiring in terms of cooking and happy to remind you (and myself) of your yummy vinaigrette.
Brandi – Your welcome. Isn’t it nice to be reminded of something you made and loved?
Bee – I agree. If I could stretch this season into a whole year, I would. Why oh why can’t I live somewhere where it is fall all year round or at least 1/2 the year.
Cara – You are very welcome. Thanks for the reminder on pears. I definitely forget about them!
Renee – That’s right! I forgot about your cider. The method seemed so unique and I always meant to ask you how it compared to the store bought varieties.
Yum! So many scrumptious things to choose from! I am so happy fall is here. Apples, pears, cranberries, pumpkin. It’s all so good!
What a great round-up! Thanks for the feature too
I love apple season too, and always try to make things with them before I start whipping up pumpkin treats!
I’m not a big fan of tartare but this one looks great!
It should be illegal to look at that lobster salad. My gawd, it’s pure and lovely decadence. And I sure wish I had it in front of me now.
Russell – Thank you. I agree. Fall is absolutely my favorite season to cook and bake. You still get great fresh produce, like the apples, pears, cranberries and pumpkin you mentioned but it’s cool enough that turning on the stove and oven is perfectly pleasant.
Kerstin – You’re welcome. With such a tasty recipe it was easy to include.
Nisrine – You’re not alone. I think tartare can be pretty polarizing. However, what I like about this one is it has the crunch of the apple to offset the softness of the fish. And if you’re not a raw fish fan you could always cook the fish first and do more of a salad with it. Hmmm..in fact, it’s making me think I should try it that way in the future.
Carolyn – Aww you’re making me both blush and smile. Lobster in general should probably be illegal as I am an addict. I could down lobster rolls and bisque on a daily basis. Mmmm.