10 Things to Make with Apples Before They Go Bad

Apples are in plentiful supply at this time of year. You may have your own apple tree with the branches bending with fruit. Or you may have been tempted to pick up a crate at your local farmers market, and are now facing the prospect of watching them turn. Here are ten things that you can do to use up your apples before they go bad.

Applesauce

A good homemade applesauce is a useful condiment that can be used to augment savoury dishes (especially pork), or as a dessert filing, or a topping on your breakfast porridge. It can also be canned for long-term storage. Take about ten peeled and cored apples and place them in a large pot with a teaspoon of cinnamon, a tablespoon of sugar, two strips of lemon peel (zest not pith) and a tablespoon of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar. Bring to a boil and simmer for about 40 minutes. Remove from the heat and allow to cool before using a potato masher to smooth. You can pass through a blender for a smoother consistency.

Apple butter

A delicious condiment that is great spread on toast, on scones or crumpets, or as an indulgent addition to savoury pork, fish or bbq meats. 

Apple pie

To enjoy the bounty of autumn, try this recipe for apple pie the classic way, and you’ll return to it again and again, especially for Thanksgiving. The more you make it, the better it gets.

Candied apples

This retro Halloween treat is always a winner. Keep your apples in the freezer before dipping them in caramel and adding your chosen toppings. Learn how to make candied apples with this round-up of recipes and ideas.

Apple muffins

These are a gluten-free vegan treat that's great at any time of day, but especially good for breakfast. Very easy to make, they are a great way to use up apples before they go bad. Top with walnuts and a dollop of apple butter from the recipe above.

Apple cake

Sweet and comforting, apple cake may be the ultimate autumn treat. Here are seven different apple cake recipes to try, including Jewish apple cake, apple coffee cake, apple upside-down cake, German apple cake, caramel apple cake and easy French apple cake.

Apple stuffing

Use up your apples by making an autumnal stuffing with torn sourdough bread, celery, onion, dried cranberries and almonds. Just chop all the ingredients and place on a baking tray. Drizzle with melted butter, toss well and season with salt and pepper. Cover with foil and bake in the oven for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for a further 10 minutes for a golden top. Serve with pork or chicken.

Apple cider

You can make apple cider in a slow cooker by adding apples, an orange and a piece of ginger. Cover with water and cook for eight to nine hours. Once cooked, allow to cool and strain through a fine mesh. Serve warm with cinnamon sticks.

Apple jelly

Use cooking apples to make a clear apple jelly. Cook the apples in water for two to three hours in a copper pot and then strain the liquid through a fine mesh or muslin. With the resulting dish, you will want to cook again, adding plenty of sugar. Reduce to about a third and remove from the heat. Spoon the liquid into glass jars and place the jars into cold water to allow the jelly to set.

Apples are cheap, sweet and delicious, and they are also an incredibly versatile ingredient that can be used in so many different ways. Use these recipes to get the most out of them and enjoy the bountiful fruit at the best time of year.