1. Pork Tenderloin with Caramelized Apples
Combine ¼ cup Dijon mustard, 2 tbsp maple syrup, 1 tsp dried rosemary, ½ tsp salt and a dash of pepper in a bowl. Brush over 1 lb trimmed pork tenderloin. Place on a broiler pan coated with cooking spray. Bake at 425°F for 25 minutes (or until done). Heat a skillet over mediumhigh and cook 4 granny smith apples (peeled and sliced into 16 wedges) for 5 minutes or until lightly browned. Reduce temp to low and add 4 tbsp of maple syrup. Simmer for 10 minutes or until apples are tender. Slice pork and spoon cooked apples over pork. Serves 4.
2. Squash and Apple Soup
Sauté 1 medium apple (peeled and chopped) and 1 chopped yellow onion in butter until tender. Add 2 medium butternut squash (peeled and chopped), 4 cups of chicken broth, 1 cup apple cider (or juice); bring to a boil and cook until squash is very tender (about 15 minutes). Transfer to food processor or use hand blender to puree until smooth. Return to heat. Add 1 tbsp maple syrup, 1 tsp cinnamon and 1 tsp nutmeg. Season with salt and pepper. Add more syrup to taste. Heat through and serve. Serves 4 to 6.
3. Pear and Apple Salad
Place ¼ cup sugar, ¼ cup balsamic vinegar, ¼ cup cider vinegar, ½ cup olive oil, 2 cloves crushed garlic, 1 tsp basil and ½ tsp pepper in a jar and shake. Combine 3 oz baby spinach, 2 oz romaine lettuce, ½ cup crumbled feta, 2 medium apples (peeled and chopped) and/or 2 medium pears (peeled and chopped), and chopped scallions. Toss with dressing and serve. Serves 4 to 6, but you may have extra dressing for another night.
4. Simple Apple Crisp
Mix together 1 cup flour, 1 cup sugar, and 1 tsp baking powder. Add 1 lightly beaten egg and mix until it forms a crumb-like mixture. Grease an 8-inch square pan. Peel and slice 6 apples and place in the pan. Top with crumb mixture.Drizzle ½ cup melted butter on top and sprinkle with 1 tsp cinnamon. Bake at 400°F for 30 to 35 minutes. Serve with ice cream or whipped cream. Serves 9.
5. Afternoon Apple Cake
Mix together 1¼ cup vegetable oil, 2 cups sugar, and 2 eggs. Add 3 cups apples (peeled and chopped), ½ tsp salt, 1 tsp baking soda, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1 tsp vanilla and 3 cups flour to make a thick batter. Spoon into an ungreased 9”x13” cake pan. Bake at 350°F for about an hour. Makes 20 pieces.
