Few foods are as versatile as the apple. It’s an ingredient that can be used in sweet or savory dishes for breakfast, lunch, dinner or dessert.
They’re so synonymous with good health, I think we’ve become accustomed to thinking of apples as a diet food. Something we eat between meals when we’re trying to watch our weight.
We associate apples with a healthy diet for good reason. They’re fat free, contain dietary fiber, pectin, and boron – a trace element that helps harden bones. Plus, apples are thought to reduce the risk of certain types of cancer, improve memory, and lower the risk of heart disease. Their health benefits along with year-round availability make them the perfect kitchen staple.
When selecting your apples at the grocery store, go for those that are shiny, firm, and free from bruises. For years, I made the mistake of storing my apples on the countertop in a fruit bowl. Little did I know I was reducing their shelf life and diminishing their flavor. Apples should always be kept in the refrigerator to maximize their flavor and keep them crisp for as long as possible.
There are so many varieties of apples, it can be a little overwhelming. Some of my favorites are the Fuji and Gala – they seem to have the perfect amount of sweetness. If you find yourself always buying the same type of apple, you can sample the various offerings by purchasing one each of several varieties from the loose apple bin – you just might find a new favorite.
And yes, apples do make a great diet food, but you don’t have to be counting calories to enjoy not only their health benefits, but also the wonderful texture and flavor they can add to everyday dishes. Try some of these ideas for incorporating apples into your recipe list:
u Add diced apples to your salad for a sweet crunch. Cut an apple into wedges and serve it with fruit dip. The kids will love the sweet dip and you’ll love watching them eat a healthy snack. For the dip, mix together 8 ounces reduced fat cream cheese, 1 cup powdered sugar, and 1 cup reduced fat whipped cream.
u Transform a plain sandwich into something gourmet. On a bakery roll, place deli turkey, cheese, thinly sliced apple, lettuce, and bottled pesto sauce.
u Apples and cheese are a great complement and make a wonderful snack. Cut up apple wedges and cheddar cheese slices. Arrange the apple and cheese slices in a circle, overlapping slightly. If the apples are going to sit out for a while, rub them with lemon juice to prevent browning.
u Make apple pancakes for a special breakfast.  If you need to speed up the ripening process for bananas or pears, place them in a paper bag with an apple. The gases from the apple will help the other fruits ripen more quickly.

Personal chef Suzanne Lykins of Wesley Chapel writes the food column for In The Loop. Are you looking for a special recipe? Write to her at or call 786-7097.
Big Apple Pancake

Ingredients
1/2 stick unsalted butter
1 large sweet apple such as Gala or Golden Delicious, peeled, cored, and cut into 1/4-inch-wide wedges
1/2 cup whole milk
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
4 large eggs
3 tablespoons granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 teaspoon salt
Confectioners sugar for dusting

Directions
Put oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 450 degrees.
Melt butter in a 10- to 11-inch heavy cast-iron skillet or other ovenproof skillet over moderate heat, then transfer 2 tablespoons to a blender. Add apple wedges to skillet and cook, turning over once, until beginning to soften, 3 to 5 minutes.
While apple is cooking, add milk, flour, eggs, granulated sugar, vanilla, and salt to butter in blender and blend until smooth.
Pour batter over apple and transfer skillet to oven. Bake until pancake is puffed and golden, about 15 minutes. Dust with confectioners sugar and serve immediately.
Servings: two.