Versatile pomes in season

culture@dailylobo.com
@UncaMo

The apple is one of the most popular fruits in America due to its diverse uses. Apples can be eaten raw, baked in pies, dried, pressed for cider (sweet or hard) or used for vinegar. The apple really is the All-American fruit. Almost any cookbook will contain recipes for this wonderful pome, but it’s always good to think outside the box.

Green Chile Bacon Apple Bites
2 large, firm, tart apples (Granny Smiths are perfect for this)
8 slices thick-cut bacon (preferably apple-smoked)
1 cup chopped, roasted and peeled green chile
4 bamboo skewers soaked in water

Wash, core and slice the apples lengthwise into eighths. Place in a resealable plastic bag with the chile. If using a sweeter variety of apple, add a teaspoon or two of lemon juice for tartness. Let the apples sit in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to an hour.

Preheat oven to 350°F. Place the bacon on a foil-lined cookie sheet and bake until cooked, but not crisp, about 30 minutes.

Let the bacon cool on paper towels to remove excess fat. Thread the apples and bacon onto the skewers, two slices per skewer, with the bacon wrapped around the apples.

Place the skewers on a baking dish so the apples are not touching the bottom of the dish and bake at 350°F until the bacon is crisp and the apples have softened — about 20 to 30 minutes.
Serve immediately on a plate on top of the chile.

Though also a part of the pome family, pears are often overlooked. This fruit has a tart sweetness and a lovely texture that combines with many other flavors — including apples.

Harvest Turkey Salad
1 pound leftover turkey (or chicken) meat, skin removed, diced small
1 large apple, washed, cored and diced small
1 large pear (Bosc is great for this), washed, cored and diced small
1 large rib celery, diced small
¼ cup pecan pieces, toasted
½ teaspoon fresh minced thyme
1/3 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste

Simply chop all ingredients and blend. Allow to sit, refrigerated, for at least one hour for the flavors to marry. Taste and adjust flavoring with salt, pepper and lemon juice. This is amazing on a good quality toasted baguette or a hearty multi-grain bread.