What’s not to like about apples? They are crisp, tangy and juicy, loaded with fibre and vitamin C. There are many varieties to choose from. What’s your favorite: red delicious, golden delicious, granny smith, gala, spartan, Macintosh or jonagold?

Apples are great on their own or in recipes such as muffins, salads, porridge, coleslaw and cobblers. Keep a bag of apples in the refrigerator for an easy snack and remember…“an apple a day keeps the doctor away”.

Quick Pork Chops and Apples
Serves 4

4 pork loin chops
¼ cup flour
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon pepper
3 tablespoons oil, divided
1 clove garlic, minced
¼ cup orange juice
2 apples, peeled, diced
1/3 cup brown sugar

Combine flour, salt and pepper on a plate. Coat pork chops with flour, shaking off excess. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Add pork chops and cook about 3 to 5 minutes per side or until cooked through. Remove pork to a plate and tent with tin foil. Add 2 tablespoons oil to skillet and sauté garlic 5 seconds. Add orange juice, apples and brown sugar. Bring to a boil and stir until slightly thickened, about 4 minutes.

Serve pork with sauce spooned on top.


Apple Bread Pudding
Makes 6

3 cups milk
3 eggs
¾ cup brown sugar
4 cups day-old French loaf, crusts removed, cut into 1” cubes
2 cups apples, peeled, cut into 1” cubes
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla
½ teaspoon cinnamon
2/3 cup raisins

Heat oven to 350 degrees F. In a large bowl whisk together milk, eggs and sugar. Add all other ingredients and mix. Pour into a 13” x 9” pan. Bake 45 minutes or until centre is set.