To celebrate Maine’s apple picking season, Real Maine are sharing these recipes from the Maine Pomological Society, which has represented apple growers in the state for 150 years. Remember to visit Maine apple farms during the 23rd annual Maine Apple Sunday (September 17, 2023).
Butternut Apple Soup
1 tbsp olive oil
2 medium onions, sliced into crescents
2 medium butternut squashes, peeled, seeded and cut into 1-inch pieces
2 medium McIntosh apples (or other favorite soft cooking apple), peeled, cored and chopped
5 cups vegetable broth
1 tbsp rubbed sage
1 tsp salt (or to taste)
1 pint apple cider
1. Heat olive oil in a stock pot.
2. Add onion, squash and apples.
3. Add vegetable broth, sage, salt.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce to simmer, cooking 20-30 minutes, until squash pieces are soft.
5. Meanwhile, in small saucepan, reduce apple cider by boiling, until ½ – ¾ cup liquid remains.
6. Puree apple/squash mixture. Stir in reduced cider.
7. Adjust salt, pepper, and sage to taste. Sprinkle each serving with dash of paprika.
From Pietree Orchard, Sweden, ME
Baked Apples
1 slice of bread – spread with butter and sprinkle with cinnamon
4 apples (Cortland or Paula Red suggested)
4 tsp graham cracker crumbs
4 tsp brown sugar
1 tsp oil
½ tsp cinnamon
Few nuts, as desired
Boiling water
1. Cut bread (buttered and with cinnamon into four 1-inch squares, set aside.
2. Core apples. Place one square of bread inside each, to form a plug for filling.
3. Lightly score apple peels with a serrated knife in four places to keep apples from popping during baking.
4. Combine graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, oil, cinnamon, and nuts in small bowl.
5. Stuff one-quarter of mixture into each apple.
6. Place apples in 8×8 glass baking dish. Pour about 1½ cups boiling water into dish.
7. Bake 45-50 minutes or until tender in 350° F oven. Serve with cream.
From North Chester Orchard, Chester, ME
Oatmeal Apple Cookies
1 cup flour
1 cup brown sugar
1 tsp baking powder
1 egg
¼ tsp salt
½ tsp vanilla
¼ tsp cinnamon
1½ cups whole oats
¼ cup butter or margarine
1 apple, peeled and chopped
1. Preheat oven to 375° F.
2. Combine flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
3. Combine brown sugar and butter. Beat until fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla.
4. Add flour mixture, then oats, to butter mixture.
5. Stir in apples.
6. Drop rounded teaspoonfuls onto an ungreased cookie sheet.
7. Bake 10-12 minutes until brown.
From Hansel’s Orchard, North Yarmouth, ME
Real Maine is the state’s official agriculture and agritourism promotions program. From apples to cider to apple cider donuts, plan your Real Maine agricultural experience. Visit www.realmaine.com to connect to farms, food, and agriculture throughout Maine.
