An apple is a very versatile, refreshing fruit that goes perfectly with any season. When you think of cooking with apples, you may instantly think of apple pie. A sweet and versatile treat, apples are the perfect addition to many summer recipes. Apples are also a versatile ingredient in both sweet and savory dishes. The second week of August is National Apple Week, so take advantage of that fact by experimenting with cooking with apples. Try some of these apple recipes to spice up cooking in your home.

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Appetizer

Apple Butternut Squash Soup (from FoodNetwork.com)

2 (18.3-ounce) boxes butternut squash soup

1 cup cinnamon applesauce

2 tablespoons ketchup

2 teaspoons curry powder

1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

Plain yogurt or sour cream

In a medium saucepan, over medium-high heat, stir together all ingredients except yogurt or sour cream. Bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Serve hot with a dollop of yogurt or sour cream.

Main Course

Grilled Apple and Brie Quesadilla with Strawberry Apple Dipping Sauce (from FoodNetwork.com)

¼ cup cream cheese

8 flour tortillas

½ pound brie, cut into thin strips

1 apple, cut into thin slices

Strawberry Apple Dipping Sauce:

1 (8-ounce) jar strawberry jam

¼ cup applesauce

1 pinch ground cinnamon

Preheat grill pan over medium heat; spray with nonstick spray. Spread the cream cheese evenly over 4 tortillas. Place Brie strips on top of the cream cheese, and place apple slices on top of Brie. Place remaining tortillas on top to make four quesadillas. Place each quesadilla on grill pan and grill 3 minutes per side. Flip tortilla. Once grilled, remove from heat and let cool. Cut each quesadilla into six pieces and serve warm. Serve with dipping sauce. For sauce: combine all ingredients in a bowl and microwave for two minutes.

Side Dish

Apple Baked Bean Casserole (from FoodNetwork.com)

1 cup diced onion

2 (15-ounce) cans baked beans

1 cup diced Granny Smith apple

1 tablespoon prepared mustard

¼ cup brown sugar

1 teaspoon salt

5 strips bacon

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Coat a 2-quart baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients except the bacon and mix well. Pour into the baking dish and lay the strips of bacon on top. Cover and bake for 45 minutes. Uncover and bake for 5 more minutes.

Dessert

Mini Apple Spiced Glazed Donuts Recipe (from FoodNetwork.com)

1 (7.5-ounce) can refrigerator biscuits

1 cup powdered sugar

½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

2 tablespoons apple juice

3 cups canola oil

Remove biscuits from can and place onto a cutting boards. Using a ½-inch biscuit cutter, remove the center from each biscuit. Place the donuts and holes onto a sheet pan and allow to rest. In a large bowl, combine next three ingredients. Whisk together until smooth and well combined. Heat the oil in a medium pot to 350 degrees F. Fry the donuts until golden brown. Remove from oil and place on paper towel to drain. Dip the top of each donut into the glaze and place on serving tray.

Drink

Double Apple Mojito (from FoodNetwork.com)

Small handful fresh mint

1 cup ice cubes

Splash simple syrup

¼ cup apple juice

1/3 cup vodka

2 red apple slices, for garnish

2 green apple slices, for garnish

In a tall glass, crush mint leaves. Top with ice, simple syrup, apple juice and vodka. Garnish with apple slices and serve.

- Margaret Price