Apples for Every Course

Few foods are as closely associated with the fall season as apples. Many of us probably go to pick apples in local orchards, and it is hard not astounded by the many varieties, each being delicious in its own way.

When we think of apples and food, most of us probably associate the fruit with dessert: apple pie, apple crisp, apple cake, and fruit salad, to name just a few.

But apples are a great base and ingredient for many other dishes, including appetizers, main courses, and sides. So, if you are looking for an opportunity to create a theme-based meal this fall, you might consider choosing an apple theme. If you want to make it even more interesting, try to work in as many varieties of apples as possible.

Here are some ideas to get you started:

Appetizers

Roasted Red Pepper and Apple Dip is a terrific way to introduce apples into a meal, with a zingy combo of smoky peppers, tart Granny Smith apples, and sharp chili flakes.

You can use this dip not only as an appetizer, with crackers or chips, but also as a sauce for a main dish, either over something (like shrimp or tofu) or as a sandwich spread.

Apple Gruèye Tart is a fantastic idea, deliciously appealing as either appetizer or dessert. We all know that apples are terrific with cheese, and this dish takes that combination of smoky, creamy, and tart to a different level. It can be made with red apples, keeping in mind that tart is better than sweet, and will likely go well with green apples too.

Sweet Potato and Apple Soup is delicious, a wonderful combination of tart Granny Smiths with sweet yams, which make for a hearty fall soup. Of course, like the other dish ideas listed, this soup is good year-round.

Main Dishes

Poultry and meat go very well with apples, so it should be no surprise that there are many main dishes that include apples.

For instance, some great ideas for combining chicken and apples are:

• Braised Chicken Legs with Cider, Apples and Mustard, which is wonderfully tangy.
• Chicken Burgers, topped with Cabbage and Apple Slaw, to create a wonderful collection of tastes.
• Chicken Fingers with Apple Fries, a great twist on a popular dish.

Another meat that goes well with apples is pork. Some great recipes include apples as a vital taste complement:

• Pork Tenderloin with Apples, which beautifully accentuate the tasty pork flavor.
• Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Apple Chutney, which again brings out the full flavor of the pork.

Offering catering services for the greater Philadelphia region, Jerry’s Kitchen is always happy to talk with you about food and theme ideas for all your occasions. Get in touch if you are planning an event this winter.

Source

Babble
Ricki Heller
Quarter Life Cuisine
Fine Cooking