Hay rides, corn mazes, photo shoots and lots of apples. This is what fall in Wisconsin looks like for many locals. Here are some ways you can use up your apples from the apple orchard. 

The classic apple crisp

According to The Chunky Chef, apple crisps are a true fall dessert reminiscent of generations past. The classic apple crisp uses simple ingredients that can be easily combined and thrown in an oven for a warm sweet treat on cold fall nights.

The recipe, taken off of the Chunky Chef website, calls for six apples of any variety, and requires one hour of prep and baking time. The recipe is as follows:

What you need

• 6 golden  apples, peeled and chopped (other varieties can be used, can also be sliced)
• 2 Tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 3/4 tsp ground cinnamon, divided
• 1 1/2 tsp lemon juice
• 1 cup light brown sugar
• 3/4 cup old fashioned oats
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, diced into small cubes
• pinch of kosher salt

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and prep an 8×8 baking sheet with an oil of your choice. For the base of the crisp, add chopped apples, granulated sugar, 3/4 tsp of the cinnamon and lemon juice into a large bowl. Transfer the mixture into a baking dish and prepare the topping. 

In another large bowl mix brown sugar, oats, flour, 1 tsp cinnamon, salt and diced cold butter. The website recommends using a pastry cutter to ensure your topping is pea-sized. 

Spread the mixture evenly and bake in the oven for 40-50 minutes until golden brown. The apple crisp can be enjoyed alone or with a choice of ice cream.

The simple savory salad

For those who do not have a sweet tooth or have had their fill of apples in pastry form, here is a recipe that uses up your orchard apples and provides a light and healthy meal. 

The Everyday Delicious website provides a simple apple celery salad that provides a “crunchy, fresh, and delicious option.”

What you need

• 2 handfuls salad mix
• 2 stalks celery
• 1 medium apple 
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• small handful walnuts
• 2 tablespoons pumpkin seeds
• 3.5 oz goat cheese 
• orange honey dressing:
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • zest from ½ orange 
  • 1 heaped teaspoon honey
  • salt and black pepper to taste

Prepare your apples, celery and lettuce by properly washing and chopping it to preference. Following preparation, plate your salad, celery, apple, walnuts, pumpkin seeds and goat cheese. 

The recommended dressing for this salad is the orange honey dressing. Combine necessary ingredients for orange honey dressing, pour over plated salad and enjoy!

Easy air fryer apple chips

If easy snacking is more your vibe and you have an air fryer, this recipe is for you. From the My Forking Life website comes apple chips that are a quick, easy and delicious healthy snack.

What you need

• 1-2 Apples 
• Cinnamon (optional)

The recipe recommends using a mandolin to slice your apple into thin slivers for the chips. Place slices into an air fryer basket and cook for 16 minutes at 300 degrees fahrenheit. 

Flip and shake the apples in the basket for even baking. Remove the apple slices from the basket and let them cool. Sprinkle slices with cinnamon and enjoy.

Shanahan can be reached at [email protected].