We've all heard the rhyme "an apple a day, keeps the doctor away;" and now scientists are proving that it's actually TRUE! Lucky for you, fall is apple season and the perfect time to get on the apple wagon with Harvest Home Farmer's Markets! Our markets are bursting to the seams with a variety of locally grown apples. Some are tart yet juicy; others are sweet, tangy and juicy and others are just sweet and juicy juicy. Visit the Apple Varieties of New York State website to learn more about apples grown in NY State. They are all freshly picked, sold at our markets and guaranteed to "keep the doctor away."

Inside each crisp and delicious apple is a bundle of health.  Loaded with vitamin C, apples can help reduce "bad" cholesterol for better heart health and they're great for lung health. They are also high in fiber and low in calories which can help you control your weight. A recent study showed that eating an apple 15 minutes before a meal reduces the amount of calories you eat, helps you manage your hunger and makes you feel more satisfied. They're a tasty treat that makes you healthier!

You can eat apples with almost anything. They're great in salads or mixed with other veggies, they make an excellent topping for chicken and they can also be used in desserts like apple pie, apple sauce and apple crisp. No matter how you decide to cook your apples, they'll fill the house with a warm cozy smell.

For an easy apple "starter recipe", try making your own applesauce. You'll say goodbye to store bought applesauce forever! 

Here's how to do it:

• Peel and core 4 to 6 apples.
• Slice them into a pan and add about 1/2 inch of water.
• Cook for 10-15 minutes or until apples can be easily mashed with a fork. Make sure you stir the apples occasionally to prevent sticking. Add more water if necessary.
• Add a dash of cinnamon and a bit of sugar, if needed. Some apples are naturally sweeter than others so how much sugar you add will depend on how tart your apples are. 

With so many tasty apples and so many ways to eat them, we think that old rhyme should be updated to "TWO apples a day keep the doctor away." Enjoy!

Chicken with Apples   

Recipe

Ingredients  

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken-breast, halved around 1 lb of chicken tenders
• 1 tbsp olive oil into ½-inch slices
• 1 cup apple juice
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• ½ tsp dried thyme leaves
• Salt & black pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard (optional)
• 1 firm apple, cored, halved, and cut

Preparation

• Cut chicken into pieces about 1 inch thick.
• Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Cook the chicken until golden, about 3 minutes on each side.
• Add the apple slices, apple juice, onion, garlic, thyme, ½ tsp salt, and ⅛ tsp pepper.
• Simmer, covered, 6 to 8 minutes or until chicken is fork-tender.
• Remove the chicken, apple slices, and onion to a serving platter and keep warm.
• Bring the sauce* to a boil for about 5 minutes or until slightly thickened.
• Whisk in the mustard. Pour the sauce* over the chicken.

*NOTE: The "sauce" is actually the juice that's left in the pan. 

Apples to Apples

Tips & Treats

Different apples have very different flavors. Here's our handy guide: 

• Honey Crisp: Slightly sweet, very crisp. Good for cooking or eating.
• Gala: Mild, sweet, crisp. Lasts a long time before spoiling.
• Fiji: Dense, crisp, sweet, juicy. Tastes better the longer you wait to eater.
• McIntosh: Sweet, juicy, slightly tangy, lots of flavor. Good plain or in salads, pies or sauce. 
• Maccun: Super crisp, don't store well. Good for salads and applesauce.

Make sure to ask the farmers at our markets about the taste & storage of their apples!

Looking for a quick snack? Try these: 

• Spread on peanut butter on sliced apples.
• Spread blue cheese on sliced apples.
• Slice apples and sprinkle very lightly with cinnamon & sugar.

Some apples can turn slightly brown after they are cut into slices. Sprinkle very lightly with lemon juice to keep the slices from turning brown.

Baking Tip: Replace ½ the fat (oil) with an equal amount of applesauce. It's an easy way to cut calories & maintain taste.

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