Great Care looks forward to autumn every year, when the crisp, fresh apples of fall are picked at the orchard or purchased at the farmer’s market. Apples have many health benefits, according to organicfacts.net.

They include prevention of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, heart disorders, stomach disorders, gallstones, constipation, liver disorders, anemia, and diabetes.

“They also lower your risk of suffering from rheumatism, eye disorders, a variety of cancers, and gout. Apples help in reducing weakness, providing relief from dysentery, and promoting digestion,” says organicfacts.net. “Finally, they aid in dental and skin care.”

From apple pie with a slice of cheddar cheese to stewed apples with cinnamon and nutmeg, the apple is a beloved fruit in America that can be prepared in many ways. Especially the healthy route. With so many varieties packed with nutritional benefits, there’s no wonder. The U.S. Apple Association reports the top 10 apple varieties sold in the U.S. are: Gala, Red Delicious, Fuji, Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Golden Delicious, McIntosh, Cripp’s Pink/Pink Lady®, Braeburn, Jazz®.

During National Apple Month in October and through Nov. 3, USApple is taking to social media encouraging individuals to share comments, posts, pictures and videos answering how they take their #AppleADay. Each person who shares how they #AppleADay on the USApple.org website through an online form – or on social media with the #AppleADay hashtag – enters to win gift cards or industry prizes.

Some ideas for healthy fall recipes from U.S. Apple include:

Brainy Apple Avocado Breakfast Salad

Ingredients

1 avocado
1 apple
1 TBL raisins
1 TBL walnuts
1/2 TBL honey
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 tsp cinnamon

Directions

1. Peel and chop apple. Place in bowl with a drop of water. Microwave on high for 1 minute.
2. Stir, microwave for 30 seconds longer.
Cool apples! This step is to make them the same texture (soft) as the avocado.
3. While your apples are cooling, mix together honey, vanilla, and cinnamon, until well combined.
4. Drain any water from your bowl of apples.
5. Chop your avocado and add it to the apples.
6. Pour honey sauce over avocados and apples.
7. Add raisins and walnuts, and stir gently.
8. Add a hard-boiled egg and some whole wheat toast strips to make this a balanced breakfast, or serve as a side dish any time of day!

Apple, Fennel and Chicken Salad with Couscous

Ingredients

2 ounces boneless chicken breast (2-3)
3 T olive oil, divided
1 cup whole wheat couscous
2 U.S.-grown medium red apples
1 T lemon juice, divided
1 fennel bulb
1 T balsamic vinegar
1 T sugar
¼ tsp salt
1/8 tsp ground black pepper
3 oz fresh baby spinach (about 3½ cups)
2 T chopped walnuts, pecans or almonds

Directions

1. Slice chicken breasts crosswise into 1/2” strips. Heat 1 T olive oil in large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken, cook 8-10 minutes until done, stirring occasionally, remove from heat.
2. While chicken is sautéing, cook couscous according to package directions, let cool.
3. Core and chop apples, place in large bowl; toss with 1 t lemon juice. Chop fennel bulb (discarding stem and fronds) and add to bowl.
In a small bowl, whisk remaining oil and lemon juice with balsamic vinegar, sugar, salt and pepper.
4. Add chicken, couscous, spinach and nuts to bowl with apples and fennel.
5. Drizzle with dressing, toss to coat and serve.

Slow Cooker Vanilla Applesauce + Toppings Bar

Ingredients

3 pounds apple, peeled and cut in chunks
1/2 cup sugar, optional
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 pinch salt
(Optional) Toppings Bar Ingredients: chia, flax seeds, hemp seeds, toasted walnuts, sesame seeds, raisins, dried cranberries, dried cherries, fresh berries, cinnamon, pie spice, honey, maple syrup

Directions

1. Place the peeled apple chunks in the slow cooker and sprinkle with sugar, lemon, vanilla and salt, then stir to mix. Cover the cooker and cook on low for 4 hours.
2. Uncover the cooker and use a potato masher to coarsely mash the apples, or if you want a really smooth sauce, you can puree in a food processor or blender. (Be careful when handling the hot apples and juice, cover the lid of the processor or blender with a folded towel and hold it closed as you turn on the machine.)
3. Transfer the applesauce to sterilized jars and let cool, then cover and refrigerate for up to two weeks.

Cider-Pomengranate Sorbet

Ingredients

2 cups fresh apple cider
1 1/4 cup pomegranate juice
2/3 cup granulated sugar
1 cinnamon stick
Pinch salt
1 tablespoon freshly-squeezed lemon juice

Directions

In a medium saucepan over high heat, stir together the juices, sugar, cinnamon and salt
Boil for 5 minutes, then transfer to a large bowl, stir in lemon juice, cover and chill in refrigerator (with the cinnamon stick) until cold.
Freeze the mixture in an ice cream maker according to manufacturer’s instructions.

For more recipes from the U.S. Apple Association click here.

The professionals at Great Care are available to talk with you and your family about all of your home care needs, including respite care. Great Care is a non-medical in-home care agency providing quality and affordable elder care in Fishers, IN and the surrounding areas. Call (888) 240-9101 for more information.