Good Food: An Apple A Day

Here in New York State and in other states in the Northern parts of the US, it is apple season. Between the ages of four and I'd say about sixteen, my mother and grandmother would drag take me apple picking every year sometime between the start of school and Columbus Day. I didn't truly appreciate it until I was much older and could appreciate the difference in taste between an apple from the grocery store and one plucked fresh off of the tree. The fresh baked apple cider donuts at most apple orchards, washed down with hot cider, is also wonderfully delicious bonus. If you are in NY, check out the official NY Apple Country website for locations of various orchards throughout the state. It makes for a great fall afternoon, especially once the leaves start changing.

If you can't make it to an orchard, head out to your local grocery store, pick up some apples, and try these yummy apple recipes perfect for the beginning of fall.

Apple-Stuffed Chicken Breasts
recipe courtesy: applerecipes.us

Ingredients
1 pound skinless boneless chicken breast halves (4 breasts).
2 tablespoons sugar.
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon.
2 medium cooking apples (peeled and cut into thin slices).
1 cup of apple cider.
1 tablespoon cornstarch.

Preparation Instructions
Heat coals or gas grill. Place chicken breast halves between 2 pieces of waxed paper. Pound chicken to 1/8-inch thickness. Mix sugar and cinnamon. Coat apple slices with sugar mixture. Divide apple slices among chicken breast halves. Fold chicken around apples; secure with toothpicks.Cover and grill chicken 4 to 6 inches from medium heat 20 to 25 minutes,turning once, until juice is no longer pink when centers of thickest pieces are cut. Remove toothpicks.Mix apple cider and cornstarch in 1-quart saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened and bubbly. Spoon over chicken and serve.

Apple Crisp
recipe courtesy: Johnna Rowe

Ingredients
4-5 apples (pared and sliced)
1/2 cup cinnamon sugar
1 tbsp. butter (softened)
1/2 sugar
1 egg
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 cup all-purpose flour

Preparation Instructions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Arrange apples in circular layers in a greased baking dish. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar and bake while preparing the batter.Batter: Cream butter and sugar; mix with remaining ingredients. Spread the batter evenly over the sliced apples and place back in oven for 35-40 minutes. Let stand to cool and serve!

*Johnna's tip: Serve with your favorite ice cream or a whipped topping. Also, for a crispier taste, let it bake for about 40-45 minutes. Enjoy!