These spiced apple cupcakes are moist, tender, and filled with warm autumn flavors. Fresh shredded apples bring natural sweetness and replace some of the oil, while chewy bits of dried apple add texture and a deeper apple flavor. The cakes are lightly spiced with cinnamon and brown sugar, making them just as delicious served plain...Read More

This Sour Cream Apple Pie with Walnut Streusel is a creamy, crunchy twist on the classic apple pie. The filling combines tart Granny Smith apples with a smooth, custard-like sour cream base, while the walnut streusel topping adds a sweet, nutty crunch. The result is a pie that’s comforting yet elegant—perfect for autumn gatherings, holiday...Read More

Cabbage and apples are a natural pairing—their shared crispness and sweetness complement each other beautifully, while cabbage’s earthiness highlights the apple’s floral notes. This fresh, colorful slaw is quick to prepare and perfect for fall, though it’s welcome year-round as a bright side dish. Tossed with a tangy Creamy Cider Vinaigrette, it’s crunchy, refreshing, and...Read More

These moist apple muffins are lightly sweetened and full of fresh apple flavor, making them perfect for breakfast, brunch, or packing into lunchboxes. With a tender crumb and just a hint of cinnamon and vanilla, they highlight the natural sweetness and tartness of good baking apples. They can also be adapted for more savory uses—omit...Read More

This award-winning apple pie, baked by Eileen Poppleton, took first place at the 2010 Annual Harvest Festival and Apple Pie Baking Contest at the Aptos Farmers Market at Cabrillo College. Beloved for its rich caramel-like filling, buttery crust, and tender Granny Smith apples, this recipe combines tradition and indulgence. The trick is pouring a buttery...Read More

Ukrainian apple squares are a beloved old-world pastry, often baked during the winter holidays when stored apples begin to soften and need to be used up. Sweet, spiced apples are layered between a tender sour cream–based pastry, creating a treat that is rustic yet elegant. Traditionally cut into squares for easy sharing, these bars are...Read More

Dutch Apple Pie is a cozy, rustic dessert beloved for its spiced apple filling and buttery streusel topping. Unlike the traditional double-crust version, this pie pairs a flaky bottom crust with a crunchy oat streusel, offering a satisfying contrast of textures. This award-winning version—baked by April Kofler, who won second place at the 2010 Annual...Read More

This rustic braise combines earthy kale, sweet-tart Pippin apples, and a touch of white balsamic for brightness. Slowly simmered with onions, garlic, and broth, the kale becomes tender and flavorful, while the apples add a delicate sweetness that balances the greens. It’s a simple yet elegant side dish, perfect for fall and winter meals. Serve...Read More

The term gratin refers to the method of cooking and serving food in a shallow dish with a browned top, often achieved with cheese, butter, or breadcrumbs. While potatoes are the classic base, gratins are endlessly versatile—root vegetables, greens, or even summer produce like tomatoes and eggplant all work beautifully. This variation, named for my...Read More

This timeless apple crisp is a simple and satisfying dessert, perfect for cool evenings. With tender baked apples under a golden, buttery crumb topping, it’s the essence of comfort food. The recipe can be prepared with peeled or unpeeled apples, making it both versatile and easy to assemble. Heat oven to 350°F. Spread evenly in...Read More