It's hard to beat a fresh apple eaten out of hand, but they're also a multipurpose ingredient, adding extra flavor and crunch to everything from smoothies to guacamole to pizza.
Need proof? Consider these 20 suggestions for how to use your extra apples, provided by the owners of The Apple Truck. Most are easy enough to incorporate without a recipe.
"These ideas showcase the versatility of apples and how they can be incorporated into both sweet and savory dishes," says a news release.
(READ MORE: All you need to know about The Apple Truck)
Most of the ideas are simple enough to freestyle into an existing recipe, or you can use them to jump-start an online search for more guidance.
The Michigan-based delivery truck didn't make a run through the South this year, but you can always order by mail (theapple-truck.com) or substitute favorite varieties grown in a local orchard.
— Apple chips: Slice apples thinly, and bake them until crispy for a healthy snack.
— Apple-cinnamon overnight oats: Add diced apples and a sprinkle of cinnamon to your overnight oats for a flavorful breakfast.
— Apple-cranberry stuffed chicken: Stuff chicken breasts with a mixture of diced apples, dried cranberries and herbs before baking.
— Apple-cucumber salad: Create a refreshing salad by combining apple slices with cucumber, mint and a light vinaigrette.
— Apple guacamole: Add diced apples to your guacamole for a sweet and crunchy twist.
— Apple-cinnamon smoothie: Blend apples with banana, Greek yogurt and cinnamon for a creamy and nutritious smoothie.
— Apple pizza: Top a whole-wheat pizza crust with sliced apples, goat cheese, arugula and a drizzle of honey.
—Apple-stuffed zucchini boats: Scoop out zucchini halves, and fill them with a mixture of sautéed apples, onions and ground turkey.
— Apple quinoa salad: Toss cooked quinoa with diced apples, dried cranberries, chopped nuts and a citrus vinaigrette.
— Apple and cheddar stuffed pretzels: Stuff soft pretzels with diced apples and shredded cheddar cheese for a satisfying snack.
— Apple-coconut energy bites: Blend dates, shredded coconut and diced apples to create energy-packed bites.
— Apple balsamic glazed salmon: Cook salmon fillets with a glaze made from apple juice, balsamic vinegar and honey.
— Apple-cinnamon French toast bake: Layer bread cubes and apple slices in a baking dish, pour over a mixture of eggs, milk and cinnamon, then bake.
— Apple-branberry muffins: Incorporate diced apples and dried cranberries into your favorite muffin recipe.
— Apple barbecue meatballs: Mix ground meat with grated apples and barbecue sauce for flavorful meatballs.
— Apple and feta stuffed portobello mushrooms: Fill mushroom caps with a mixture of diced apples, crumbled feta and herbs, then bake.
— Apple popcorn: Drizzle melted caramel over popcorn, and toss in dried apple bits for a sweet and crunchy treat.
— Apple-cinnamon tea: Add apple slices and a cinnamon stick to your favorite tea for a cozy beverage.
— Apple hummus: Blend chickpeas, tahini, diced apples and a touch of lemon juice for a unique hummus variation.
— Apple coleslaw: Shred apples and cabbage, and toss with a creamy dressing for a refreshing coleslaw.
— Compiled by Lisa Denton