Affordable Apple Recipes

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

28 Oct 2007 10:59 PM

I've given you simple ways to prepare fall's bountiful crop of juicy, delicious apples in previous blogs, now let's talk about dough. I'm not rolling in it and if you aren't either then you might want to check out the following apple recipes. They are made from everyday items that can easily be found in your refrigerator and pantry. Let's start with one of the cheapest apple recipes I have.

BAKED APPLE RAMEN

Yes, ramen noodles. As in the stuff most college students live off of. The instant-style, deep-fried noodles that are sold in cellophane packages, sometimes with bits of dehydrated vegetables and broth mix serves as the foundation for this next recipe.

Ingredients:

2 medium apples, peeled and sliced

1 package ramen noodles, crushed (don't use the seasoning packet)

1/3 cup raisins

1/2 cup whole milk or cream

1 teaspoon brown sugar

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place apple slices on bottom of a small lightly oiled casserole dish; top with crushed raw noodles. Sprinkle raisins over noodles. Pour milk or cream over noodles and apples. Sprinkle brown sugar and cinnamon on top. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes or until warmed through and noodles are soft. Makes 2 servings.

APPLE DAPPLE CAKE

Ingredients:

2 cups sugar

3 eggs

1-1/2 cups vegetable oil

3 cups flour

1-teaspoon baking soda

1-teaspoon salt

3 cups chopped apples

2 cup chopped pecans (optional, but recommended)

2 teaspoons vanilla

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

2 teaspoons ground nutmeg

Caramel Sauce:

1-cup butter

2 cups light brown sugar

1-cup heavy cream

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour a 9-inch bundt pan.

In a large bowl mix (I would suggest using an electric mixer) sugar, eggs and oil. Add in remaining ingredients. Pour batter into prepared pan; bake 1 hour.

To make sauce: Melt butter in a small saucepan; add sugar and bring to a boil. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat and stir in cream. Drizzle sauce over each piece of cake.

SPINACH-APPLE SALAD WITH MAPLE-BACON VINAIGRETTE

Ingredients:

1-tablespoon maple syrup

1 teaspoon red wine vinegar

1/4 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1-tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives

1/4-teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

2 slices center-cut bacon, cooked and crumbled

2 1/2 cups julienne-cut apple (about 2 medium apples, though you could add more if desired)

6-ounce package fresh baby spinach

In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, red wine vinegar and mustard.

Continue whisking and slowly add the oil. Whisk until well blended.

Add the chives, salt, pepper and bacon, and stir well. In a large bowl, combine the apples and the spinach.

Drizzle with vinaigrette, then toss to coat. Makes about 6 servings. The bacon adds a savory note, but you could also add a grilled chicken breast to turn this into an easy weeknight dinner.

Related Articles:

Easy Apple Recipes

An Apple A Day...

Apples, Apples and More Apples for your Crock Pot

Amish Apple Blondies

Apple Crisp

Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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