Does anyone else feel like apples sometimes get short-changed? I mean I love pumpkin just as much as the next girl, but in my opinion, apples are the OG star of fall. Whether you’re trying to use up a bounty of apples from an outing to the orchard or just looking for a fun new way to use the best fall fruit (there, I said it), these recipes are easy, family-friendly, and delicious. Enjoy!
Karlo Gesner
Apple Slices & Greek Yogurt Cookie Dough Dip
This is an after-school snack that everyone in the family will feel good about (I had two very happy five-year-old taste testers + a happy husband when I was developing this recipe). Even better—it takes less than 5 minutes to prepare. My not-so-secret ingredient is powdered peanut or almond butter. You can find this at most grocery stores—it’s great for smoothies too!
2 or 3 large sliced apples
¾ plain greek yogurt
2 tbsp powdered almond or peanut butter
1 tsp vanilla
1 ½ tsp maple syrup
1 tbsp mini chocolate chips
1. Combine all ingredients except for apple slices. Mix well.
2. Serve dip with apple slices.
3. Enjoy!
Karlo Gesner
Apple Pie Chia Pudding
I am a big fan of chia pudding. I love to meal-prep a big batch of it and eat it for breakfast throughout the week. This chia pudding feels so indulgent that you could also serve it up for dessert.
Pudding:
½ cup chia seeds
3 tbsp of your favorite sweetener (I like to make this with monk fruit, but maple syrup will also work well)
2 cups canned full-fat coconut milk (mix
before measuring)
2 tsp vanilla
1 tsp cinnamon
Apple Topping:
2 large apples peeled and chopped
1 tbsp coconut oil
1 tbsp of your favorite sweetener (monk fruit is my go-to)
½ tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp nutmeg
¼ tsp salt
1 tsp lemon juice
1. Combine pudding ingredients, and mix well.
2. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. While pudding is setting in the refrigerator, make apple topping:
3. Melt coconut oil in a large pan over medium heat,
4. Add apples, sweetener, lemon juice, salt, and spices. Sauté until apples are soft and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
5. Top each serving of pudding with the apple topping.
6. Enjoy right away, or refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Vegan friendly!
Karlo Gesner
My Favorite Fall Salad
September is usually a busy month for my family as school and fall activities resume. This salad is a quick and easy side—perfect for busy weeknights. You can also add your favorite protein (we love to eat this with grilled chicken) to make this salad into a meal.
Salad:
5 cups spinach
2 large apples chopped
¹/³ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
¼ cup sunflower seeds
2 tbsp finely diced red onion
Dressing:
½ cup extra virgin olive oil
¼ cup lemon juice
½ tsp salt
1 minced garlic clove
1. Combine salad ingredients in a large bowl.
2. Combine dressing ingredients and mix well.
3. Toss salad with desired amount of dressing (depending on how much dressing you like, you may have some left over).
4. Enjoy!
Susan Bowser
Susan Bowser is a former NBC TODAY show producer. She is a freelance writer and food blogger at SusanBCooking.com. She’s passionate about making real food for real life, showing that healthy eating can be delicious, and sharing recipes that her whole family enjoys. Find more inspiration by following her on Instagram @SusanBCooking.
