Recipe Roundup: Apples

Nothing says harvest quite like apples, which become a baker’s best friend this time of year. But apples can be just as wonderful in savory dishes — or just eaten whole as a simple, crisp snack. Here are some tips for working with apples:

• Baking: Look for varieties like Jonathan, Cortland, Pippin, Winesap, Gravenstein and Braeburn, which have a sturdy texture, sweet-tart flavor and hints of spiciness.
• Snacking: Try Red Delicious, sweet Golden Delicious, tart and green Granny Smith, red- and yellow-streaked Gala and the red-marbled McIntosh.
• Staying Fresh: To avoid discoloration once apples are cut, rub the flesh with lemon juice.

We’ve gathered some of our favorite recipes to show how you can incorporate apples into any meal, any time of day. Keep reading to get inspired.

Breakfast Brown sugar glazes the top of this bruleed oatmeal, which is served with slices of warm apples for a cool, cozy morning. Try it: Bruleed Oatmeal with Baked Apples

Hors d’Oeuvre Elegant tarts topped with a tangle of sweet onions and apples make an elegant appetizer for fall parties. Try it: Caramelized Onion and Apple Tarts with Gruyere and Thyme

Soup A puree of earthy parsnips and crisp apples creates a delicious — and surprising — flavor combination. Try it: Roasted Parsnip and Apple Puree with Gruyere Toasts

Salad The classic combination of endive, apples and walnuts is gets a colorful twists with golden beets, red endive and crunchy Golden Delicious apples. Try it: Endive Salad with Golden Beets, Apples and Anise

Main Course Pork pairs well with most fruits, but tart apples really bring out the mild, earthy flavor of the meat. Try it: Roast Pork Loin with Rutabagas & Apples

Dessert Traditional, warm apple pie is hard to beat, but our baking dish version — spiked with Bourbon and topped with nutty streusel — pulls it off.Try it: Deep-Dish Apple Bourbon Streusel Pie

Beverage Freshly juiced apples give spiced apple cider a major flavor boost with their natural sweetness.Try it: Freshly Pressed Mulled Apple Cider