The Many Ways to Use Apples

Apples have always been known for their wonderful taste. However, one can only eat apple crisp, apple pie, and caramel apples for so many days before the begin wishing they would never see another apple again. So, what is a person to do when they have more apples than they could ever possibly eat, but are unwilling to let them go to waste? Try one of these ideas and make apples something to be excited about once again.

1.) Preserve the Apples - Even though you might be sick of the apples today, the day will come where a warm apple pie or some apple pancakes will sound tasty again. So, why not save a few for this time. There are a variety of ways to save apples for another time. Whether you freeze them, can them, or even dehydrate them, be sure to follow recipe directions carefully to decrease the chance for spoilage.

2.) Create a Wreath - Dried apple rings can create a very nice wreath for the autumn holidays as they approach. Once dried fully, glue the apples onto wire, vines, or something similar that you have laying around and then spray with some clear acrylic spray for preservation. This is a reasonably priced way to decorate your home or make a gift for that someone special. If you want to go one step further, find a cinnamon scented spray to add to your new decoration.

3.) Make Potpourri - You can do this in a couple of ways. There is simmering potpourri which is a variety of things like apple peelings, cinnamon sticks, and other scented items placed in some water on a stove top and allowed to simmer. Just be careful to monitor the water level when using this method. You can also make a dried potpourri out of dried apples. There are many recipes available for this method allowing to be something for personal use or another great frugal gift idea.

4.) String Garland - You have seen the older movies with homemade garland on the Christmas tree. There is no reason you can't do something similar. Take your apples and slice them into rings. Once they are dried out and scented, use some wire and create all kinds of great holiday garland. It isn't something the neighbor will have and talk about adding an old time touch to the home.

5.) Share - Just because you are sick of apples doesn't mean everyone else has had their fill. Be that neighbor that shares and give a few away. If you can't think of anyone to give them to, check with local food banks or shelters. They are always looking for an extra donation. Don't overlook the trick-or-treating crowd either. At the end of the night, many parents will thank you for having the foresight to give something a little healthier to their child.

No matter what it is you decide to do with those leftover apples, remember that there are always more ways to use them than the same old ways you have been using them for years. So, take a second look and then get creative. You never know what you might come up with and if all else fails, go ahead and make one more apple pie. Who knows, someone might eat it.