An Apple A Day Does NOT Keep The Doctor Away

An Apple A Day No Longer Keeps The Doctor Away:

The problem: If fall fruits held a "most doused in pesticides contest," apples would win. Why? They are individually grafted (descended from a single tree) so that each variety maintains its distinctive flavor. As such, apples don't develop resistance to pests and are sprayed frequently. The industry maintains that these residues are not harmful. It's just common sense to minimize exposure by avoiding the most doused produce, like apples. "Farm workers have higher rates of many cancers,". And increasing numbers of studies are starting to link a higher body burden of pesticides (from all sources) with Parkinson's disease.

The solution: Buy organic apples.

Budget tip: If you can't afford organic, be sure to wash and peel them. But Kastel personally refuses to compromise. "I would rather see the trade-off being that I don't buy that expensive electronic gadget," he says. "Just a few of these decisions will accommodate an organic diet for a family."

CARAMELIZED GLAZED APPLE CAKE

I've been craving apple cake lately have been digging around for recipes. I remembered this one from the Costco magazine that I made two or three times last year.

No, it is not good for you. Yes, it is absolutely delicious. I also tried it with pears, and maybe even liked it better.

Caramel-Glazed Apple Cake 
 

1 cup packed light brown sugar
1 cup granulated sugar
1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
3 eggs
3 cups flour
1 tsp baking soda
2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp salt
5 Granny Smith apples
1 1/4 cup chopped pecans and walnuts
2 1/4 tsp vanilla

Caramel Glaze
4 T butter
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
pinch of salt
1/2 cup heavy cream

Preheat oven to 325. Butter and flour and a 9x13 pan (Or 2 8x8 pans).
Beat sugars and oil until well blended. Add eggs one at a time. Sift dry ingredients together and add to egg mixture until just blended. Stir in apples, nuts, and vanilla. Pour in pan(s).

Bake for 50-75 minutes (mine was about 60). Let cool in pan while preparing glaze.
Glaze: Melt better over low heat. Stir in sugars over med-low and cook for 2 minutes. Add cream and bring to a boil for 2 minutes. Stir constantly.

Poke holes in cake with skewer or toothpick. Pour glaze over the cake. Serve warm and top with whipped cream or ice cream.

Apple Pie Pork Chops

I know this sounds like something you would NEVER put into your mouth. But if you don't, you'll be missing one of the very best pork chop recipes I've ever tried. At least try it once!

INGREDIENTS:

4-6 thick center-cut pork chops
1 can of apple pie filling
Your favorite BBQ sauce.

PREPARTATION:

Place the contents of the apple pie filling into the bottom of a greased 9x13 pan (I prefer glass).
On top of the filling place the pork chops
Cover the pork chops with a generous coating of your favorite BBQ sauce.
Cover with aluminum foil and poke a few small holes in the top to allow the steam to escape during baking.
In a 300 degree oven place the pan on the middle shelf. Allow to cook approximately 3 hours or until the pork chops are thoroughly cooked through. Remove from the oven and enjoy this great meal.

Come on you porkers, get cooking!
Steve and Kim

Apple Dapple Cake

I really do enjoy anything that contains apples. This is one of my favorites, Apple Dapple Cake. It is a simple, quick recipe that your family will love. Give it a try.

If you have any questions or comments we'd enjoy hearing from you. Just write to us at:

cookingwithsteveandkim@yahoo.com

INGREDIENTS:

1 cup flour
1 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon of salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon of cinnamon
A couple of dashes nutmeg and cloves
2 eggs
1 stick butter (very soft)
3 cups apples, sliced and peeled
1/2 cup walnuts and raisins (optional)

PREPARATION:
Mix wets. Add to dries, then stir in apples. Pour into a buttered 8x8 pan. Bake at 350 degrees for approximately 35-40 minutes. Take out of the oven, let cool for a short time and then serve with your
favorite ice-cream or independently, your choice.

Happy Eating
Steve and Kim