Apple recipes, apple tips and tricks

Choosing Apples - Different apples are good for different things. Some apples are better for baking while others are better to be eaten raw. When you buy apples, make sure they are firm with an even color and make sure they are bruise free and with a smooth skin. Apples with a green stem means they've been freshly picked and not stored. You can also look if the apple has a blossom, it should be green.

Keeping apples refrigerated - this slows how fast an apple will spoil. An apple that is room temperature becomes soft ten times faster then if they're refrigerated, make sure to refrigerate or keep them in a cool area. Also wrap the apples in plastic and keep it away from vegetables like onions or any other strong smelling order.

Different apples:

Golden Delicious - This apple is the best all around apple, perfect for baking and presentation. The flesh of this apple resists browning better then most apples. It also holds it shape better then other apples while cooking. The range in color from green to yellow.

Macintosh - I don't mean the computer company...the Macintosh apple is best eaten fresh. Not so much for baking, more of a put them in a fruit bowl type apple. There are a number of apples that are offshoots of Macintosh like, Cortland Macoun, Sparton, Niagra, and a few others.

Red Delicious - This apple is very sweet, a perfect apple for a snack, and characterized by a ruby red color. These are best eaten raw, their flavor is at their best when eaten raw.

Apple Hints:

     1. A cake will stay fresher if you you cut an apple in half and store it with the cake.
     2. One pound of apples (3 medium) yields 3 cups pared and sliced or diced.
     3. Apples will not crack while they are baking if you peel a 1-inch band around the middle or top.
     4. Lemon juice is good to prevent discoloration of apples, most fruits - mushrooms too.
     5. For a different type of frozen treat, make a "cider circle." Simply put a wooden stick in a small paper cup filled with cider, and freeze!
     6. Add apple juice to your favorite stuffing, instead of the usual broth, for a delicious change - great for stuffing portk, turkey, or chicken.
     7. Apple juice added to a ham or meat loaf will make a delicious difference and makes it more juicy.
     8. Stir apple juice into a spicy red dip for shrimp - it will mellow its taste and make it richer.
     9. Try apple pancakes for a change. Simply mix apple slices into the batter.
   10. Mix apple juice half and half with orange juice, tomato juice or beef broth for new exciting flavor combinations.
   11. For a different taste use 3 different kinds of apples when baking a pie.