Recipes — Freeze Dried Apples

10 Apple Recipes That'll Make Your Kitchen Smell Like Fall

Coping with the end of summer isn't easy. There's always one more BBQ dish, raspberry treat, or refreshing drink that you want to try. But, if there's a reason to get excited about the first frost is all the amazing autumn produce that Mother Earth Products has to offer. And the best of them all? Apples! The juicy fruit is chockful of nutrients and can be part of several dishes, from bread to stews. So, if you want to ring in the autumn solstice differently this year, these ten apple recipes will let fall into your kitchen.

Savory

1. Bratwurst with Sauerkraut & Apples

With an ample amount of bratwurst, sauerkraut, and a little bit of apple, this recipe pays homage to the German Oktoberfest. However, it skips the cheese and lard the OG version calls for. So, your stomach can rest easy.

Ingredients:

• 7 bratwurst sausages, uncooked
• 1 cups dried onions
• 3 cups sauerkraut, drained
• 1 ½ cup freeze dried apples
• 2 cups vegetable broth or beer
• 4 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp caraway seeds
• 1 tsp dry ground mustard
• 1 tsp dried garlic (granulated)

Directions:

1. Add the onion and apples to a bowl along with 4 cups of warm water. Soak for 15 minutes. Once hydrated, squeeze away excess water and set aside.
2. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over low heat and add the bratwurst links. Cook for a couple of minutes on each side until brown. Set aside.
3. Add the onion and apples to the skillet and sauté for 2-3 minutes. Stir in the spices (salt, caraway seeds, mustard, and garlic) and cook for another minute or two.
4. Add the sauerkraut, broth (or beer), sugar, and bratwurst. Make sure the mixture covers the links. Bring to a boil, cover with a lid, and simmer for 15 minutes or until most of the liquid has evaporated.
5. Serve with boiled potatoes, rolls, and spicy mustard for a complete meal.

2. Gruyere Apple Tarts

There's beauty in simplicity, and this apple recipe is no exception. Sautéed apples and onion are piled onto a bed of melted Gruyere cheese and complemented by various spices, making each bite even more enticing.

Ingredients:

• 1 sheet frozen puff pastry
• 1 cup Gruyere cheese, crumbled
• ½ cup freeze dried apples
• 1/3 cup dried onions
• 3 tbsp butter
• ¼ tsp ground coriander
• ¼ tsp ground cardamom

Directions:

1. Pour 2 cups of water to a bowl and soak the apples and onions for 15 minutes. Remove from water and set aside.
2. Preheat the oven to 400^oF and line a baking pan with parchment paper.
3. Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat and sauté the onion and the apples for 3-4 minutes. Stir in the spices and cook for another minute or so. Set aside.
4. Roll out the puff pastry and cut it 4 rectangles, 6 ½- by 5- inch each. Make sure you leave about half-an-inch space around each tart. Transfer them to the pan.
5. Divide the apple-onion mixture between the 4 tarts and top with the Gruyere cheese and remaining butter. Bake for 20 minutes or until the cheese has melted.

3. Apple & Beet (root) Slaw

Picnic season may have come to an end, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't enjoy all the tasty treats it has to offer. This apple-beet slaw is the perfect way to "dress" your sandwiches or complement your dinners.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups beets, cooked and grated
• 2/3 cup freeze dried apples
• 1 cup red or white cabbage, grated
• ½ red onion, diced
• 1 ½ cup Greek yogurt
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ¼ tsp cumin
• 1 tbsp vinegar
• 1 tbsp mustard
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions:

1. Soak the apples in a bowl with warm water for 15 minutes. Once hydrated, remove from water and set aside.
2. Add all the ingredients to a bowl and toss well until everything is combined.
3. Serve with main dishes (steak, burgers, hot dogs) or as part of a sandwich.

4. Parsnip & Apple Soup

If there's a surefire way to get rid of your summer-is-over blues, it's this hearty soup. Combining apple's sweetness with parsnip's nutty flavor, this dish is perfect for when you want to add flavor to your chilly nights.

Ingredients:

• 3 parsnips, peeled and finely chopped
• ½ cup freeze dried apples
• 1 large potato, peeled and chopped
• 1/3 cup dried onions
• ½ cup coconut milk
• 5 cups vegetable broth
• 3tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp curry powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions:

1. Add the onion to a bowl along with one cup of warm water and soak for 15 minutes. Squeeze away excess liquid and set aside.
2. Heat the olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Once hot, lower the heat to low, add the onion, and sauté for 3-4 minutes. Then, stir in the potato, garlic, parsnip, and apples and sauté for another 5 minutes or until they wilt.
3. Pour the broth, cover with the lid, and let the soup simmer until the ingredients are fork-tender. It'll take 25-30 minutes.
4. Then, stir in the coconut milk and spices and boil for another 5 minutes. Set aside to cool.
5. Once cooled, use an immersion blender to puree the ingredients to your desired consistency—season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve with croutons on top and a slice of warm bread.

5. Cheesy Apple Muffins

Many would argue that cheese and apples don't belong in the same breath. But, this apple recipe begs to differ. Marrying apples with cheddar cheese and thyme, these muffins are a far cry from your regular go-tos and give an end to the usual "What should I have for breakfast?" problem.

Ingredients:

• 1 ¾ cups all purpose flour
• ¼ cup freeze dried apples
• ¾ cup Cheddar cheese, grated
• 1 cup milk
• 1 egg, beaten
• ½ tbsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp dried thyme

Directions:

1. In a bowl, add one cup of warm water and soak the apples for 15 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, line a muffin tin with liners and preheat the oven to 370^oF.
3. Add the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt to a bowl and whisk well. Stir in the apples, thyme, and shredded cheese.
4. In a separate bowl, add the milk and egg and beat well until combined.
5. Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients and mix well.
6. Spoon the batter into each cup, filling ¾ of the way.
7. Bake for 20 minutes or until the muffins are golden brown.
8. Enjoy as breakfast or serve instead of bread rolls for lunch and dinner.

Sweet

6. Apple Chocolate Bark

Apple and chocolate is a seriously under-utilized combo, but this recipe sets the record straight. Chockful of nuts and seeds, it's also rich in fiber and omegas, so you'll secretly know your little one is munching on something healthy for once.

Ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups dark chocolate chips
• ½ cup roasted almonds, roughly chopped
• ½ cup freeze dried apples
• ¼ cup roasted sunflower seeds
• 2 tbsp maple syrup (optional)

Directions:

1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Fill a pot halfway with water and boil the water over low heat. Set a heatproof bowl on top and add the chocolate in it. Stir occasionally as the chocolate starts to melt. Remove the bowl from heat once two-thirds of the chocolate have melted. Let it cool for a while.
3. Stir in the almonds, sunflower seeds, apples, and maple syrup (optional) and spread the mixture onto the baking sheet. Refrigerate the bark for half an hour and break into pieces before serving.

7. Baked Apple Donuts

Whether served for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, donuts are a hit with kids. This version, however, is a tad healthier than the store bought kind, since it skips frying. You can now let them go for seconds.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all purpose flour
• ¼ cup freeze dried apples
• ½ cup sugar
• 2 tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 egg
• ½ cup applesauce
• 2 tbsp butter, melted
• ¼ cup kefir

Directions:

1. Add the apples to a bowl with warm water and soak for 15 minutes. Remove and set aside.
2. Preheat the oven to 375^oF and grease a donut pan with cooking spray.
3. Add all the dry ingredients to a bowl and mix. Combine all the wet ingredients into a separate bowl. Fold the dry ingredients into the wet one cup at a time. Remember to stir gently.
4. Transfer the batter to a Ziplock bag and snip one end off. Pour the batter in each donut cavity, filling three-quarters of the way.
5. Bake for 15 minutes.
6. Remove from the oven, let cool, and sprinkle with coarse sugar and cinnamon.

8. Apple Cake

Fall is synonymous with baking, and this apple recipe makes perfect use of the season's #1 fruit. Plus, it's pretty easy to make, so you'll get to enjoy all the flavors without slaving away in the kitchen.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups all purpose flour
• 2/3 cup freeze dried apples
• ¾ cup powdered sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp cinnamon
• ½ cup buttermilk or kefir
• ½ cup olive oil

Directions:

1. Soak the apples in a bowl full of warm water for 15 minutes. Once hydrated, remove, and set aside.
2. Preheat the oven to 350^oF and grease a round baking tin with butter or cooking spray.
3. In a bowl, add all the dry ingredients and mix. In a separate bowl, add all the wet ingredients and mix once again. Add wet ingredients to dry and mix gently until combined.
4. Transfer the batter to the baking tin and bake for 30 minutes.
5. Drizzle with coarse sugar or glaze and serve with coffee or tea.

9. Apple Ricotta Waffles

We all know how important it is to start your day with some fiber and protein – and this recipe makes sure you do just that. Packed with apple and ricotta, these waffles are wholesome as they are tasty.

Ingredients:

• 2/3 cup flour
• 1/3 cup sugar
• ½ cup buttermilk or kefir
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/3 cup freeze dried apples
• 3 eggs
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp cinnamon

Directions:

1. Pour one cup of warm water to a bowl and add the apples. Soak them for 15 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, preheat the waffle iron.
3. Combine all the wet ingredients to a bowl and then stir in the wet ingredients one at a time. Lastly, fold in the apples.
4. Spray the waffle iron with cooking spray and pour a cupful of the batter. Cook until both sides turn golden brown. Continue to cook in batches until there's no batter left.

10. Spiced Apple Fritters

Super quick, easy, and delicious, this apple recipe is just what you need when your mini-me is craving for something sweet, and you'd rather stay away from chocolate. For more than just a snack, serve them with a honey yogurt sauce and a cup of warm apple cider.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all purpose flour
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup freeze dried apples
• ½ cup apple cider
• 1 egg
• ¾ tbsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp cinnamon

Directions:

1. Add the apples to a bowl along with 2 cups of warm water and soak for 15 minutes. Once hydrated, squeeze away excess liquid and set aside.
2. Fill one-third of a pot with canola oil and heat over medium heat.
3. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Stir in the egg, cider, and apples. The batter will be slightly runny and sticky.
4. Drop spoonfuls of the batter to the hot oil and fry until golden brown (2-3 minutes on each side).
5. Remove from the oil and place on a plate lined with a paper towel.

Do you have any go-to apple recipes? We'd love to hear all about them in the comments down below!

References:

1. https://www.theendlessmeal.com/bratwurst-and-sauerkraut-apples-onion/
2. http://www.womansday.com/food-recipes/food-drinks/recipes/a37374/savory-gruyere-apple-tarts-recipe-clv0911/
3. https://runningonrealfood.com/raw-beet-apple-slaw/
4. https://recipesfromapantry.com/coconut-parsnip-and-apple-soup/?fref=gc&dti=814499965327016
5. https://veggiedesserts.com/apple-cheese-muffins-thyme/
6. https://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/dark-chocolate-bark-roasted-almonds-and-seeds
7. https://thecakeblog.com/2012/10/recipe-fresh-apple-donuts.html
8. https://www.sweetestmenu.com/cinnamon-apple-cake/
9. http://www.fridaycakenight.com/2015/10/apple-cinnamon-ricotta-waffles
10. https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/a23390937/pie-spiced-apple-fritters-recipe/

6 Healthy Holiday Recipes That Are Next-Level Good

The holidays are almost here, and along with the festive Christmas lights and the cheerful drinks, we are this close to going through grandma's good old recipe book for some tasty inspiration. Unfortunately, while some of these recipes still have what it takes to impress a crowd, others need a serious (preferably, healthy) makeover. So, it's time to be original. From earthy and savory to fruity and sweet, these six holiday recipes hit the spot without putting you in a food coma. Grandma would be proud!

Side Dishes

1. Mashed Potatoes with Garlic and Chives

Let's be honest: few holiday recipes can top the cozy and comforting feeling that comes with a scoop of mashed potatoes. However, some of the dish's main ingredients aren't exactly the epitome of healthy. Combining garlic's anti-inflammatory properties⁽¹⁾ with chive's digestion-friendly profile⁽²⁾, this holiday recipe adds a healthy twist to the classic dish without discounting on flavor.
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
2 cups dehydrated potato dices
½ cup heavy cream
2 tbsp unsalted butter
2-3 tbsp dehydrated garlic (granulated)
1 tbsp dehydrated chives
Salt, for seasoning
Directions:

1. In a bowl, add the dehydrated potato dices along with 4 cups of water.
2. Let them rehydrate for a couple of hours.
3. Once fork-tender, transfer the potatoes to a bowl and mash until smooth.
4. Meanwhile, add the cream, butter, chives, and granulated garlic in a pot and simmer.
5. Once heated, gradually stir the cream mixture into the potato bowl until they are fluffy.
6. Season with salt for extra taste, and serve immediately.

2. Cheesy Cauliflower Bites

In case you haven't heard, cauliflower is the new potato. So, if you want to wow your guests with an out-of-the-box holiday recipe, cheesy cauliflower bites are it. Plus, this winter vegetable is loaded with vitamins and antioxidants.
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
3 cups freeze dried cauliflower pearls
1 cup Parmesan or Cheddar cheese, grated
½ cup heavy cream
¼ tsp cayenne pepper
1/3 tsp dehydrated garlic (granulated)
Salt and pepper, for seasoning
Directions:

1. In a bowl, add the dehydrated cauliflower along with 3 cups of water.
2. Once fork tender, drain the water.
3. Preheat the oven to 400^oF, and butter a baking dish.
4. Pour the heavy cream into the cauliflower bowl as well as the garlic, cayenne pepper, grated cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
5. With your hands, form bite-sized balls and place them on the buttered baking dish.
6. Press them down with your palm, making them a bit flat, and bake for about 30 minutes or until they turn golden.
7. Once ready, remove from the oven and let them cool for a while before serving.

Main Dishes

3. Fancy Carrot Soup

If you want your holiday meal to look fancy, but you can't afford the time to cook, then this soup recipe is all you need. Taking less than an hour to put together, this holiday dish is the food equivalent of a hug.
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
2 cups dehydrated carrots
1 cup canned tomato sauce
½ cup Greek yogurt
1 tsp dehydrated garlic (granulated)
1 tbsp olive oil
¼ tsp chili powder
Salt and pepper, for seasoning
Directions:

1. In a food processor, add the carrots and tomato sauce, and blend until smooth. You may need to add some water during this step.
2. Transfer the puree to a pot and the Greek yogurt, garlic and powders, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Also, add a glass of water.
3. Bring the ingredients to a light simmer and let them cook for about 10 minutes.
4. Once cooked, remove from heat and serve immediately.

4. Beef-Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Many people believe that eating healthy during the holidays is a dream that will never come true. However, this beef-based holiday recipe is here to prove everyone wrong. Containing various tasty ingredients (beef and sweet potatoes are just the beginning), this dish will make even picky eaters smile with joy.
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
4 large sweet potatoes, washed and scrubbed
1 ½ cups TVP Beef Bits
1/3 cup dehydrated onion
2 tsp dehydrated garlic (granulated)
3 tsp chili powder
1 15-ounce can of tomato sauce
½ cup Parmesan or Cheddar cheese, grated
Salt and pepper, for seasoning
Directions:

1. In a bowl, add the TVP beef bits along with 3 cups of warm water. Set aside for 15 minutes until the beef is rehydrated.
2. Meanwhile, poke the sweet potatoes with a fork and microwave them for about 10 minutes until they are fork-tender.
3. Cut them in half and scoop out some of the flesh to make room for the beef.
4. Once the meat is rehydrated, drain it from the excess water, and transfer it to a skillet.
5. Add a few tablespoons of water, and give the beef a light simmer.
6. After a couple of minutes, add the onion, garlic, and chili powder and keep simmering until the meat is cooked through.
7. Stir in the tomato sauce and simmer for 10 more minutes. Set aside to cool.
8. Spoon the beef mixture into the potatoes and top with grated cheese.
9. Bake for 5-10 minutes in a preheated oven or until the cheese is melted.

Desserts

5. Apple Oatmeal Cookies

Apples are to Christmas what pumpkin is to fall. That said, this delicious fruit shouldn’t be missing from the holiday table. Crammed alongside other tasty ingredients, such as oatmeal and cinnamon, this holiday recipe is a must for every host who wants to impress.
Servings: 15-20 cookies
Ingredients:
1 cup freeze dried apples
1 ½ cup rolled oats
¾ cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp ground cinnamon
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
¼ cup brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 egg, beaten
½ tsp baking soda
1 tsp vanilla extract
White chocolate (melted), for garnish
Directions:

1. In a bowl, add the freeze dried apples along with 1 cup of warm water. Set aside for 15 minutes until they are rehydrated.
2. Preheat the oven to 400^oF.
3. In a bowl, add the flour, oats, baking soda, and cinnamon and combine well.
4. Whisk in the butter, brown sugar, and white sugar.
5. Once mixed, add the vanilla extract and the egg.
6. Add the apples and mix well.
7. Line a baking pan with parchment paper.
8. Using your hands, form balls, and place them on the baking pan.
9. Press them down a bit using your palm.
10. Bake them for 10-12 minutes or until they turn brownish.
11. (Optional)You can top them with melted white chocolate.

6. Festive Trail Mix

If you're looking for a last-minute festive dessert recipe, then a trail mix is the way to go. How come? It takes minutes to put together, plus you can play with the season's colors merely by adding some red and green M&Ms.
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
1/3 cup freeze dried cherries
1 cup roasted unsalted peanuts
½ cup milk chocolate chips
1/3 cup freeze dried blackberries
½ cup roasted unsalted almonds
1/3 cup green and red M&Ms
Directions:

1. Combine all the ingredients in a large bowl and serve.

 








References:

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4103721/
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17566890