By Jenna Jauregui: Digital Media Manager

Drawing credit: Chelsea Jauregui

Ah, apples.  Just the word itself inspires a wealth of images: bountiful baskets of fresh-picked fruit, the warm scent of fresh-baked pie, and the crisp deliciousness of that first bite.   An essential part of any fruit bowl, apples are chock-full of health benefits that can keep your immune system revved as we head into colder months.  There’s a reason why people say, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away!”  Health food website whfoods.com says that an apple, especially the skin, contains several antioxidants that support heart health.  Containing only about 80 calories each, apples are a dieter’s delight.  Their high fiber content helps to suppress the appetite and control cholesterol levels.  They help to stabilize blood sugar, and eating a raw apple can even help keep your teeth clean!

Now that fall is upon us, apple-inspired recipes are enticing people to the cozy realm of their kitchens.  September marks the peak of apple season, so now is the time to enjoy the fruit while it is in its prime.  Here are two scrumptious ways to get that homey, nostalgic flavor of apple goodness without the hours of effort.

Apple Pancakes

• 1 cup flour
• 3 eggs
• 1 cup skim milk
• 1 medium apple, cored and sliced in thin rings
• cinnamon and nutmeg to taste

Combine the flour, eggs, and milk until they form a creamy batter.  Add the spices, and pour by ¼ cup measurements into a non-stick skillet.  Place a few apple rings in each pancake before flipping.  Serve immediately with hot maple syrup.

Microwave Baked Apples

• 2 medium apples, peeled and cored
• 2 Tbsp. butter
• 2 Tbsp. brown sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp nutmeg
• ½ cup raisins or dried cranberries
• ½ cup graham cracker crumbs

Combine the butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a bowl until crumbly. Place the apples in a deep microwavable dish with a tiny bit of water on the bottom.  Sprinkle apples with the sugar crumble and more spices if needed.  Stuff the cranberries or raisins into the hole where the core was.  Cover with a lid and microwave for 3.5 to 4 minutes until tender.  Cool slightly before serving.  Top with graham cracker crumbs.  Serves 2.

Ciao, my apple admirers!  Many warm wishes from my kitchen to yours.

The Cookin’ Cougar