I’ve decided to start a monthly series with ideas on more ways of using some of the things we have in our kitchens. So, February will be Apple Month – just because its somewhere to start.
1. Make yourself a healthy drink. Mixing in a blender: peeled and chopped apples, ground cinnamon and plain yoghurt. Add apple juice to get the dilution of choice. You could add in other fruit – like bananas or pears if you happen to have them around.
2. Improve the taste of soups and stews. If you’d hand has slipped when adding salt, apple and potatoe are great at absorbing the excess. Put in some fairly large chunks of either and, after cooking for a few minutes, scoop them out. They’ll bring some of the excess salt with them.
3. Make a natural face mask. If you can’t get to Jane’s for a facial, or you want a quick and easy treat for your skin, make a natural face mask by mixing grated apple, honey and uncooked oats. Smooth mixture onto your face, relax for 10 minutes and then rinse off.
4. Keeping cake fresh for longer. Half an apple in the container with a cake will keep it fresh and moist for longer.
5. Printmaking. If you’re into crafts or have children to keep entertained, an apple cut in half with the pips carefully removed makes a great star-shaped stamp. Use it to make pictures or posters. Have a look here for more on this
6. Ripen green tomatoes. Tomatoes can be ripened faster if stored in a paper bag with an apple.
And if none of those appeal, apple pie is always a favourite! Do you have any Apple Tips to share? Let me know.
Posted under Food ideas, Top Tips
This post was written by Vandy on February 1, 2009
