APPLES APPLES AND MORE APPLES

APPLES REALLY ARE GOOD FOR YOU!
Eating fresh apples is always good for you, but to get the full nutritional benefits associated with eating apples you should eat at least one fresh apple every day. The average U.S. consumer eats about 19 pounds of fresh apples a year — about one apple per week. Ongoing consumer attitude tracking in nine major markets across the United States has shown that Washington apples remain number one as far as consumers are concerned. According to a one report, 56 percent of those surveyed named Washington as the brand they look for when buying apples.

WHOLE-BODY HEALTH BENEFITS
Lower blood cholesterol, improved bowel function, reduced risk of stroke, prostate cancer, type II diabetes and asthma.

The disease-fighting profile of apples provides a multitude of health benefits, including a potential decreased risk of cancer and heart disease. Several recent studies suggest apples may provide a "whole-body" health benefit.

A number of components in apples, most notably fiber and phytonutrients have been found in studies to lower blood cholesterol and improve bowel function, and may be associated with a reduced risk of ischemic heart disease, stroke, prostate cancer, type II diabetes and asthma. Preliminary research from Finland indicates diets with the highest intake of apple phytonutrients were associated with a 46 percent reduction in the incidence of lung cancer. Findings indicate that two apples a day or 12 ounces of 100% apple juice reduced the damaging effects of the “bad” LDL cholesterol.

CANCER PREVENTION
Over the past four years, apple consumption has been linked with reduced cancer risk in several studies. A 2001 Mayo Clinic study indicated that quercetin, a flavonoid abundant in apples, helps prevent the growth of prostate cancer cells. A Cornell University study indicated phytochemicals in the skin of an apple inhibited the reproduction of colon cancer cells by 43 percent. The National Cancer Institute has reported that foods containing flavonoids like those found in apples may reduce the risk of lung cancer by as much as 50 percent.

HEALTHY LUNGS
Two recent British studies indicated that eating apples can improve lung health. A study of Welsh men indicated that people who ate at least five apples per week experience better lung function. Researchers at the University of Nottingham reported that those who ate five apples per week also had a lower risk for respiratory disease. In the Netherlands at the University of Groningen, apples were singled out as a fruit that could cut smokers’ risk of COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) in half. Scientists believe antioxidants found in apples may ward off disease by countering oxygen’s damaging effects on the body.

HEART DISEASE & STROKE PREVENTION
A Finnish study published in 1996 showed that people who eat a diet rich in flavonoids have a lower incidence of heart disease. Other studies indicate that flavonoids may help prevent strokes.

WEIGHT LOSS
Apples are a delicious source of dietary fiber, and dietary fiber helps aid digestion and promotes weight loss. A medium apple contains about five grams of fiber, more than most cereals. Also, apples contain almost zero fat and cholesterol, so they are a delicious snack and dessert food that’s good for you.

RECIPES

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Microwave Apple Crisp

Make a classic, favorite apple dessert even quicker when you cook with a microwave.

4 medium tart cooking apples, peeled, sliced (4 cups)
2/3 cup packed brown sugar
2/3 cup quick-cooking or old-fashioned oats
1/2 cup Original Bisquick® mix
3 tablespoons butter or margarine, softened
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1 . In ungreased 2-quart microwavable casserole or 8-inch square microwavable dish, arrange apple slices. In small bowl, stir remaining ingredients until crumbly. Sprinkle over apples.
2 . Microwave uncovered on High 7 to 10 minutes, rotating dish 1/2 turn after 5 minutes, until apples are tender. Serve warm.

Apricot-Apple Crisp

Old-fashioned apple crisp with an apricot twist. Spoon up a warm bowl full of this comforting dessert, and top it with cinnamon ice cream.

1 1/2 cups Gold Medal® all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons butter or margarine, softened
2/3 cup chopped macadamia nuts or Other nuts
8 medium tart cooking apples, sliced
2 cups chopped dried apricots (12 ounces)
Vanilla or cinnamon ice cream, if desired

1 .   Heat oven to 350ºF. Mix flour, sugar, butter and nuts.
2 .   Place apples in ungreased rectangular pan, 13x9x2 inches. Top with apricots. Sprinkle flour mixture over top.
3 .   Bake uncovered 35 to 40 minutes or until apples are tender. Serve warm with ice cream.

Cinnamon Apple Crisp

Search no more! Rediscover the classic taste of tart apples and sweet cinnamon syrup with that famous “crisp” brown-sugar topping.

5 to 6 cups sliced baking apples (4 medium)
1 cup Gold Medal® whole wheat flour
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/3 cup butter or margarine, melted and cooled
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 egg
Ice cream, if desired

1 .   Heat oven to 350ºF.
2 .   Arrange apples in ungreased square baking dish, 8x8x2 inches.
3 .   Stir together remaining ingredients except ice cream until crumbly; sprinkle over apples. Bake 35 to 45 minutes or until apples are tender. Serve warm with ice cream.

Apple Crisp

The perfect recipe for an abundant apple season. After one taste, you’ll want to make it again and again.

4 medium tart cooking apples, sliced (4 cups)
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup Gold Medal® all-purpose flour
1/2 cup quick-cooking or old-fashioned oats
1/3 cup butter or margarine, softened
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Cream or Ice cream, if desired

1 .   Heat oven to 375ºF. Grease bottom and sides of 8-inch square pan with shortening.
2 .   Spread apples in pan. In medium bowl, stir remaining ingredients except cream until well mixed; sprinkle over apples.
3 .   Bake about 30 minutes or until topping is golden brown and apples are tender when pierced with a fork. Serve warm with cream.

Apple Crisp

Praline Apple Crisp
An easy almond-flavored yogurt sauce tops this brown sugar ‘n cinnamon caramelized crisp.

Apple Crisp
1 tablespoon water
1 teaspoon almond extract
6 cups sliced unpeeled tart eating apples (6 medium)
2 tablespoons Gold Medal® all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons firm butter or margarine
1/2 cup coarsely crushed zwieback crackers
2 tablespoons chopped pecans
Yogurt Topping
1/2 cup plain fat-free yogurt
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
1/8 teaspoon almond extract

1 .   Heat oven to 375°F. Spray 1 1/2-quart casserole with cooking spray. In small bowl, mix water and 1 teaspoon almond extract. In casserole, toss with apples.
2 .   In small bowl, mix flour, brown sugar and cinnamon. Cut in butter, using pastry blender (or pulling 2 table knives through ingredients in opposite directions), until crumbly. Stir in crackers and pecans. Sprinkle over apples.
3 .   Bake uncovered about 30 minutes or until topping is golden brown and apples are tender.
4 .   In small bowl, mix topping ingredients until well blended. Serve warm apple crisp with topping.

Cornbread-Apple Cobbler
Cozy up to a sweet cobbler made easier with a muffin mix.

Filling
2 tablespoons butter or margarine
5 large firm apples, peeled, cored and sliced (Golden Delicious or Gala)
3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
1/4 cup dark rum OR 1 tablespoon rum extract plus water to measure 1/4 cup
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
Cornbread Topping
1 pouch Betty Crocker® cornbread & muffin mix
1/3 cup milk
2 tablespoons butter or margarine, melted
1 egg

1 .   Heat oven to 375°F. Grease 8-inch square or round glass baking dish with shortening or cooking spray. In 12-inch skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium-high heat. Gently stir in remaining filling ingredients with wooden spoon. Cook about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until apples are tender. Pour into baking dish.
2 .   In medium bowl, stir together cornbread topping ingredients. Spread over apples, covering them completely.
3 .   Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until topping is golden brown.