Recipes of the Month: Apples!

Our request for recipes using apples yielded several. We’re featuring one sweet and one savory this month. Enjoy!

Chunky Apple Cake

1/2 cup butter, softened

2 cups sugar

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 large eggs, room temperature

2 cups all-purpose flour

1-1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

6 cups chopped peeled tart apples

In a large bowl, cream the butter, sugar and vanilla. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Combine the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt and baking soda; gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well (batter will be stiff). Stir in apples until well combined. Spread into a greased 13”x9” baking dish. Bake at 350° for 40-45 minutes or until top is lightly browned and springs back when lightly touched. Cool for 30 minutes before serving.

Butterscotch Sauce:

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1/4 cup butter, cubed

1/2 cup heavy whipping cream

In a small saucepan, combine brown sugar and butter. Cook over medium heat until butter is melted. Gradually add cream. Bring to a slow boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Remove from the heat. Serve with cake.

Bobbi Harrison Blair

Grilled Apple Gouda Quesadillas

8 eight-inch flour tortillas

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

2-4 green onions, chopped whites and greens

2 red apples, cored and thinly sliced

2 cups Gouda cheese

Preheat grill to high heat. Brush one side of tortilla with oil. Place oil side down on a plate. Spread with mustard, and top with apple slices, onions, and cheese. Top with a second tortilla and oil the top. Brush grill surface with oil, and grill quesadillas for about 3 minutes until bottom is crispy, flip, and grill another 2-3 minutes. Remove from grill, cut into quarters, serve warm.

Perry Mandanis