Two different ways to use apples

Published on October 16, 2024

Have you ventured to an apple orchard or the Lenexa Farmers Market this fall and come home with an abundance of locally grown apples? Here are two ways to transform this fall fruit that you might not have tried before: dehydration and baked apples.

Dehydration

Core and thinly cut apples into 1/8-inch slices. Some people like to pre-soak apple slices in lemon juice, vinegar or citric acid to prevent browning. If desired, dust apple slices lightly with cinnamon and or cardamom.

Choose your method

Dehydrator: 

1. Lay apple slices in a single layer in the dehydrator basket. 
2. Set the temperature to 135°F. Dehydrate for 16–24 hours, depending on your preference for pliable or chip-like apples. 
3. Allow dehydrated apples to cool completely.

Oven: 

1. Preheat oven to 185°F.
2. Spread apple slices out on a metal cooling rack that fits over a large, rimmed baking pan or cookie sheet. This allows air to circulate around apple chips.
3. Bake for 1 hour. Then flip the slices over and bake for another 1 ½ hours.
4. Allow dehydrated apples to cool completely.

Baked apples

Baked apples are a simple, elegant dessert — perfect for an autumn evening. Whole apples are cored, then topped with a sugar-and-spice filling, and baked until tender.

Ingredients

3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 cup rolled oats
4 large apples

Optional: 
Add dried fruit or nuts
Whipped cream or ice cream to serve

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Beat butter, sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg together. Stir in oats and any additional ingredients of choice.
3. Scoop out top/core of apples (about ¾ of the way down into the apple). 
4. Place the apples in an 8-inch or 9-inch round or square pan. Spoon the filling into each apple.
5. Add a little water to pan to keep the apples moistened. Bake apples for 40–45 minutes or until apples are at desired softness.
6. Allow apples to cool, and serve with whipped cream or ice cream.