Biting right into an apple is the most popular use for this fruit, but did you know that apples can keep baked goods moist or help with cleaning cooking pans? Try these apple hacks the next time you have extra apples on hand. You may find a new favorite way to enjoy this delicious fruit.
No Corer, No Problem: Many people prefer to eat their apple in slices instead of the whole fruit. When you don’t have an apple corer on hand, try this trick. Cut an apple in a tic tac toe pattern to easily remove the core, and retain most of the fruit. If you are taking these slices to go, spritz the cut fruit with lemon juice, return the core, and snap a rubber band around it for a snack that is ready-to-go.
Use Apples for a Bowl: Think of this hack as an edible vessel for a dip for your apples, or even fresh flowers. Slice off the top of an apple and use a melon baller to scoop out the core and make a shallow bowl. Put your favorite dip (we like equal parts plain yogurt and peanut butter) to put inside the bowl. Or deliver fresh flowers in the apple vase to a friend.
Keep Baked Goods Moist: Keep cake, brownies, and soft cookies from going stale by dropping a few apple wedges into a sealed container with the baked goods.
Make Apple Tea: Use the same apple bowl technique described above but this time put a tea bag in the vessel. Fill the fruit with boiling water and replace the apple top to let the tea brew for a few minutes. The heat will release the apple’s juices to make for a naturally sweet tea.
Make Apple Ring Pancakes: For a fun twist on a classic breakfast, core an apple and slice it horizontally into ¼ inch pieces. Prepare your favorite pancake mix as directed and dip the apple slices into the batter to coat well. Cook each apple ring on a griddle per pancake instructions. Serve warm with maple syrup!
Clean with Apple Peels: Apple peels are great for cleaning aluminum cookware. The acid in the peel removes stains and discoloration from aluminum pots and pans. Fill the pan with water, add the peels, and simmer for about 30 minutes.