Apples, apples, apples! I see these apples everywhere nowadays. And I see lots of Instagram posts of your friends going apple picking. Instead of feeling jealous and crying over the fact that I am not there, I decided to go apple picking to one of my favorite places in the world: Trader Joe's!
I wasn't surrounded by any apple trees, but I was definitely surrounded by beautiful apples. From one of my favorites—Gala apples—to every granny's favorite, Granny Smith, I was in my own apple fantasy. I touched, examined, smelt, and fell in love with these apples in the middle of the crowded store. I even found a big bag of Gala apples for under $5. #YAS.
After living my apple fantasy in Upper West Side, I realized I bought too many apples. I wanted to be more adventurous with my carefully hand-selected apples. After some quick research, I was surprised to find out many creative ways to enjoy these apples other than just baking an apple pie.
1. Apple Spice Mug Cake
This is a combination of all of my favorite things in the world: espresso, apple, cake, and coconut oil. Get the recipe.
2. Pesto Pasta with Apple Cubes and Bacon
Want to turn up the volume for your pesto pasta? Slice some apples into bite sizes to add the nice crunch and sweet flavors to the dish. Get the recipe.
3. Baked Apples
I love that crisp, crunch bite of apple, but when you are in the mood for some comfort desserts, baked apple is the answer. Simply stuff the apple with whatever toppings you want, like pecans, raisins, even cream cheese, and bake it to perfection. Get the recipe.
4. Apple Pie Rose
If you propose to me with a bouquet of these beautiful apple roses, I will say YES so fast. Get the recipe.
5. Apple Kimchi
You can literally kimchi ANYTHING like onion, cucumber, and even apples. The tangy, spicy kimchi marinade with sweet bites of apples create an amazing flavor together. Get the recipe.
6. Apple Nachos
EXTRA caramel drizzle PLEASE. Get the recipe
7. Pork Tenderloin with Caramelized Apple
A perfect entree dish for your upcoming Friendsgiving dinner! Get the recipe.
8. Homemade Apple Sauce
You will never want to buy the sketchy "apple sauce" in a jar after trying this. Also, you only need two ingredients, so that's even more fabulous. Get the recipe.
9. Apple Chickpea Hash
Did you have an apple for your breakfast? You also had an apple for your afternoon snack? Perfect. Make this delicious hash eat apple for 3 meals a day. All-day apple challenge accepted. Get the recipe.
10. Butternut Squash Apple Soup
Two of my favorite fall foods in one delicious bowl of soup. I might even have this for breakfast in my pumpkin mug! Get the recipe.
11. Apple Bread
Did I say how much I love BREAD (in my inner Opera voice)? This bread may have one more than point than normal bread on Weight Watcher. Get the recipe.
12. Apple Crisp-Filled Apples
The best way to enjoy apple crisp is to eat them out of an apple bowl. Get the recipe
13. Apple, Beet, Carrot Salad
Look for a fresh Thanksgiving side that will make everyone happy? It's fresh, vegan-friendly, and perfect to complement everything on your Thanksgiving dish. Get the recipe
I love baking my fall favorite, apple pies and apple crisps. They are the definition of fall comfort foods. But sometimes, it's fun to be adventurous in the kitchen with your apples. Instead of settling with the same apple dish every single time, enjoy this amazing, variety of delicious apples in as many different ways as possible!