October 7

Recipe Corner: Apple-Sauerkraut & Cheddar Quesadillas

Recipes

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For many, fall is the PERFECT time of year — there is a crispness in the air that is invigorating and refreshing.  Fall is also the time for football, harvest festivals and apples!!  There are so many ways to enjoy apples — fresh and raw, baked into a pie, simmered into sauce or mixed into your favorite salad. 

Apples pair exceptionally well  with a sharp cheddar cheese.  Add in some tart sauerkraut and you have a winning combination!  I have been making these quesadillas for a few years, and they are always a hit.  You can use flour or corn tortillas.  Choose a firm, crisp-crunchy apple like Gala or honeycrisp.  Use a high quality cheddar that you shred yourself (have you ever looked at what is in pre-shredded cheese?) and opt for natural fermented sauerkraut, not a vinegar based variety.

When choosing apples, look for firm, fresh-smelling fruit with smooth, tight skin.  They should be free of bruises and blemishes.  Apples are one of the “Dirty Dozen” so opt for organic or locally grown from a grower you trust.

Apples ripen 6-10 times faster at room temperature than if they were refrigerated.  For optimal storage, apples should be kept at 35-40 degrees with relative humidity of 80-90%.  (That is why those apples you bought at the beginning of the week and put in a basket on the counter were soft by Friday!)  Apples also easily absorb odors, so store away from strong-smelling foods (like onions).

For the most health benefits, use a naturally fermented sauerkraut which can be found in the REFRIGERATED section of many grocery or health food stores.  Making your OWN sauerkraut is simple, so I encourage you to try it!  I personally have been making it regularly for the past 4 years, and try to have at least 1 tablespoon daily (usually added to my salad) for the probiotic and other health benefits! 

Remember, a healthy lifestyle begins in the kitchen, and what better place to start than with a bag of apples!

Until next time,

Mrs. Dornberg, your kitchen BFF

Mrs. Dornberg

About the author

Cheryl Dornberg is the founder, CEO, and operator of Mrs. Dornberg’s Culinary Experience based in Highland, IN. She is a Culinary Nutrition Expert and believes that a healthy lifestyle begins in the kitchen, and every meal that you prepare yourself from fresh, whole ingredients is a step towards a vibrant, energy-filled life.


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healthy, healthy cooking, home cooking, Mrs. Dornberg, Open Content, produce


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