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I’m on a little bit of a roll with apples. Less talk, more recipes. But first I’ll share just a couple things with you. Are you not sure of how many apples you need to buy when a recipe says use 1 lb. of apples?

Here it is: 1 lb. apples equals 2 large, 3 medium, or 4-5 small apples; approximately 3 cups peeled, sliced or diced.

Someone has a bushel of apples for you? This equals about 40 lbs. or about 120 medium-size; enough for about 20 (9-inch) pies, or 16-20 quarts applesauce.

A short apple quiz for you (the answers are at the end of the column):

1. An apple contains no cholesterol. True or false?

2. Which is true? Apples help make the stomach feel full or apples are natural teeth cleansers?

3. A medium-sized apple has more or less than 100 calories?

5. Apples are a good source of fiber? True or false?

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Now onto recipes. This is a German dish that I received from a reader who asked me to use it in this column. If you like sauerkraut (and we do), you will like it.

MEATBALLS AND APPLE SAUERKRAUT

Your favorite recipe for meatballs using 1-1/2 lbs. ground beef or pork

3 tart apples (Haralison, Greening or Granny Smith)

1 qt. sauerkraut

3 T. sugar

1 T. vinegar

1 T. caraway seed (optional)

canola oil (or other vegetable oil)

Shape meat mixture into meatballs a little smaller than a golf ball.

Heat oil in a skillet (preferably a non-stick pan); fry meatballs, turning to brown until done (about 8-10 minutes). Keep hot in pan.

Peel, core and slice apples (about 1/4-inch thick).

In a large saucepan, combine apples with rest of ingredients. Bring to a boil; lower heat to low and simmer 15 minutes. Put into a serving dish and top with meatballs. Serves 6.

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This is a wonderful veggie dish to serve with pork roast.

SWEET POTATO APPLE CASSEROLE

4 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch slices

3 medium tart apples, peeled, cored and sliced (Cortland, Braeburn, McIntosh, Jonathan)

2 T. flour

2 T. brown sugar

2 T. butter or margarine

1/2 c. apple juice (water may be used)

4 strips bacon, cut in about 1/4-inch pieces, fried almost crisp, drained

Combine flour and sugar and lightly dredge potatoes and apples. Butter a six cup casserole and alternate layers of apples and potatoes. Dot with butter. Add apple juice. Cover and bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes or until tender. Uncover, sprinkle with bacon bits and bake 5-10 minutes. Serves 4-5.

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Quick breads are always good to have in the freezer for unexpected friends who have stopped for coffee. Make a couple of these and be ready.

APPLE RAISIN BREAD

1/3 c. butter or margarine

1 c. sugar

1 egg

2 c. flour

1 t. baking powder

1/2 t. soda

1/2 t. salt

1/3 c. apple juice

3/4 c. golden raisins

1/4 c. chopped pecans

1 c. peeled, finely chopped tart apples (Haralson, Granny Smith, Greening or Viking)

Cream butter, sugar and egg. Combine flour, soda, baking powder and salt. Add dry ingredients alternately with fruit juice. Fold in raisins, pecans and apples.

Turn into well-greased 9x5x3 pan or two smaller pans. Bake 50 minutes in 350 degree oven. Makes one or two loaves. (If using smaller pans, cut baking time by 5-8 minutes.)

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This is a wonderful dessert that would please anyone’s palate.

APPLE COCONUT DESSERT

7-1/2 c. peeled, sliced pie apples (7-8 medium size apples)

1/2 c. brown sugar, firmly packed

1-1/2 t. cinnamon

1/4 t. nutmeg

3 T. flour

1/4 c. orange juice

1/2 c. brown sugar, firmly packed

1/3 c. flour

6 T. butter or margarine

1/2 c. flaked coconut

Arrange apples in greased 8-inch square pan.

Combine next four ingredients; mix well. Sprinkle over apples. Drizzle orange juice evenly over all.

Combine brown sugar and flour until crumbly; stir in coconut. Sprinkle over apples.

Cover with foil. Bake at 425 degrees for 20 minutes. Remove foil; bake 15 minutes more.

Serve with dollop of whipped cream or topping. Serves 6-8 servings.

Alice’s tip: When you have orange juice on hand, freeze some of it in 1/4 or 1/2 cup containers to have on hand when you have a recipe such as this.

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Thought for the day: It isn’t an apple a day that keeps the doctor away, it’s the lack of house calls.

ANSWERS

1. True

2. Both

3. Less

4. Apples

5. True

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