Unique Baking Uses for Freshly Picked Fall Apples

The orange and yellowfall foliage marks the transition from summer into winter. The changing colors and, for many, the crispness in the air turns thoughts to juicy apples and ripe pumpkins. Families across all 50 states come together in the tradition of apple picking every fall. They come home with dozens of apples, but sometimes wonder the best uses for them.

Apple pie, apple cider and applesauce are traditional uses, and Nielsen-Massey Vanillas, the vanilla specialists, suggest additional ways to enjoy freshly picked apples in autumn baked creations.

- Combine Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract, brown sugar and cream cheese for a simple, tasty apple spread.

- Add a splash of Tahitian Pure Vanilla Extract to applesauce to enhance its fruity taste.

- Stir Pure Almond Extract into whipped cream or whipped topping to garnish apple cake.

- Use Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Bean Paste to glaze pie crusts for apple pies.

- Vanilla Apple Pudding (recipe below) is an easy at-home recipe that combines crisp apples with quality Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract.

"Using seasonal ingredients adds an undeniably clean element to any dish," says Beth Nielsen, chief culinary officer of Nielsen-Massey. "Nielsen-Massey Pure Vanillas ensure that your produce won't be tainted by artificial ingredients and the fresh flavors will shine through."

Nielsen-Massey uses a proprietary cold extraction process which gently coaxes the maximum flavor possible from the beans. The result is a sweet, creamy, mellow Pure Vanilla that is an excellent ingredient for general cooking and baking.

Vanilla Apple Pudding

½ cup (1 stick) butter, softened
2 cups granulated sugar
2 teaspoons Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract
2 eggs
2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons cinnamon
4 cups coarsely chopped cored peeled apples
1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
½ cup firmly packed dark brown sugar

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Coat a 9x13-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray. Cream the butter, granulated sugar and vanilla extract in a mixing bowl using an electric mixer. Add the eggs one at a time, beating after each addition. Beat until the batter is fluffy. Add the flour, baking soda and cinnamon and mix well; the dough will be crumbly.

Add the apples and walnuts and mix just until incorporated. Press over the bottom of the prepared pan. Sprinkle the brown sugar over the top and press into the dough mixture. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Serve warm. Garnish with a dollop of Nielsen-Massey's Signature Whipped Cream.
Serves 15

Gourmet Vanilla Whipped Cream

1 cup heavy whipping cream
2 teaspoons Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Bean Paste
2 tablespoons sifted confectioners' sugar

Whip the cream in a mixing bowl using an electric mixer on medium-high until soft peaks form. Add the vanilla bean paste and confectioner's sugar.

Add a dollop of whipped cream to each serving of the vanilla apple pudding.

Nielsen-Massey Vanilla is an aromatic ingredient that enhances the flavor of the hand-picked apples and uncovers rich fall flavors.