‹ Healthy Living Blog

Celebrate the Fall Season with Michigan Apples

This time of year brings colorful leaves, cooler weather, and a yearning for Michigan Apples – one of my favorite flavors of the season. Driving around Michigan Apple country, the trees are heavy with juicy, sweet apples ready to be harvested. Celebrate the fall season at the apple orchards by enjoying a glass of cold cider, taking a hayride, and picking some Michigan Apples to bring home for fall cooking and snacking.

Whether tailgating at a football game, enjoying an autumn-inspired meal, or planning a fun Halloween celebration, take advantage of this bountiful harvest season by adding some delicious and nutritious Michigan Apples to your meals and snacks. Try some of the recipes below for your fall get-togethers – enjoy!

Apple Tailgate Appetizers:

If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing dish to take to your next tailgating party, we’ve got you covered! You’ll love the flavor that Michigan Apples brings to these tasty recipes.

• Apple and Pulled Pork Barbecue Sandwiches
• Apple Orchard Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette
• Michigan Apple Chicken Pasta Salad
• Caramel Apple Pizza

How to Plan a Fun Tailgate Party:

Plan Ahead

Use our menu suggestions to make your shopping list and don’t forget:  folding table and chairs, cooler, ice, cooking/serving utensils, cutting board, plastic forks/knives/spoons, paper plates, clean-up supplies, napkins, trash bags, containers for leftovers, bottle/wine opener, table cover.

Add Fall Favorites

Find recipes that celebrate the harvest season, make a centerpiece with colorful fall fruits and veggies, and add a large bowl of Michigan Apples to the table for snacking.

Keep Food Safe

Pack food in coolers properly, bring disinfectant wipes, and don’t keep food out for over 2 hours.

Fall Dinner Party Ideas

Celebrate the season by inviting family or friends over for a dinner party and start in front of a bonfire with Hot Spice Apple Cider. For dinner, try an apple harvest recipe like this Baked Squash with Apples and Chicken Sausage.

Hot Spiced Apple Cider

INGREDIENTS:

• • 8 cups of Michigan Apple Cider
  • 1 sliced Michigan Apple
  • 1 sliced orange
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 1-inch piece of ginger
  • Add in rum if desired

DIRECTIONS:

1. 1.  In a large pot, combine cups of Michigan Apple cider
   2. Add in your Michigan Apple, a slice of orange, cinnamon sticks, and ginger
   3. Bring to a boil over high heat; reduce to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes. (Keep warm over low, up to 2 hours.)
   4. Remove from heat and stir in 2 cups dark rum if desired. Transfer to a punch bowl; serve warm.

Michigan Apple Stuffed Acorn Squash

Makes 4 servings

INGREDIENTS:

• • 2 medium-sized acorn squash
  • Olive oil
  • 4 links of cooked chicken, apple sausage
  • 1 whole onion, chopped
  • 1 large Michigan Apple, diced (Gala, Jonathan, McIntosh, or Ida Red)
  • 2 cups cooked brown rice
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (plus more for sprinkling on top)

DIRECTIONS:

1. 1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Halve the squash from the stem to the point and scoop out the pulp.
   2. Drizzle a baking pan with a bit of olive oil, then place squash, cut side down, on the pan, and bake for 30-45 minutes, or until squash is tender. Remove from oven.
   3. Meanwhile, slice the sausage into bite-sized pieces and place in a large bowl.
   4. Sauté onions in 2 teaspoons olive oil over medium heat until softened. About 7 minutes.
   5. Add to the bowl with the sausage. Toss in cooked brown rice, apple, thyme, sage, salt, pepper, and cheese. Mix well.
   6. Scoop out all but 1/2 an inch of flesh from the squash. Place the squash in the bowl with the sausage mixture and stir well.
   7. Divide the stuffing between the four squash shells, mounding slightly. Top with additional cheese and place on the baking sheet.
   8. Return pan to oven and bake for 20-30 minutes, or until cheese is melted and filling is hot. Serve immediately.

Nutrition information per serving: 492 Calories, 19g Fat, 58g Carbohydrate, 11g Fiber, 26g Protein

Halloween Party Treats

Celebrate Halloween with your little ghosts and goblins by making these fun and delicious recipes that include nutritious Michigan Apples.

Michigan Apple Mummies

These also make great school party treats! Simply wrap Michigan Apples with gauze tape and add candy eyes.

Easy Apple Cider Punch

Mix 6 cups of Michigan Apple cider, 1 (750 ml) bottle sparkling red grape juice, 2 cups orange juice, and 2 tablespoons lemon juice, and refrigerate until serving.

Caramel Apple Dip with Granola

Mix 8 oz (1 block) reduced-fat cream cheese (softened), ½ cup brown sugar, and ¼ cup caramel syrup in a small bowl. Top with 1/2 cup of your favorite granola and serve with sliced Michigan Apples.

Find more fall harvest recipe inspiration with Michigan Apples!