I have been putting up a strong fight against the end of summer, but I finally gave up and went full blown fall last week when I took my daughter to the farm for a hayride and apple picking. I pinned a few promising apple recipes before we left so I wouldn't be left with a crisper full of neglected brown apples.
I rarely suggest just an apple alone for a snack.....boring! But paired with some protein or tossed in a spinach salad, apples bring a fun fall flare to the table for only 100 calories and 4 grams of belly filling fiber. While one a day, may not keep the Dr. away, apples may keep our waist lines slimmer thanks to the ursolic acid found in the nutrient rich skin of the apples.
So if you are looking to use up your hayride haul, or trying to stay in budget with seasonal produce check out the following apple inspired recipes below:
Apple Cranberry Walnut Salad: This is a great side to accompany dinner, or can stand alone as antioxidant packed lunch at work or school. The key to keeping this salad slim is portion control with the oil, cheese and dried fruit. (Gluten Free)
Crockpot Honey Pork and Apples: I tried this recipe out over the weekend and my house smelled AHHHHHHHHmahzing. I used way less honey then the recipe suggested and because I used a lean cut of pork, I cooked it on medium for only a few hours (around 3-4). (Gluten Free)
Oven Dried Apple Chips: The ingredients in the recipe are as clean and simple as it gets....just apples! Try sprinkling apple pie spice or cinnamon for some extra flare. (Gluten Free and Vegan)
Cinnamon Apple Energy Bites: This is similar to the PB energy bites I often recommend to my clients as a snack. Perfect for that 3 pm workday slump or post workout snack. (Gluten Free and Vegan)