Apples are usually used in fall recipes: apple pie, applesauce, and the like. Or they are considered diet food, more flavor and crunch than calories. I agree that apples are all of those things. But since we eat them all the time, I am trying new ways to serve them so we do not get bored.

Boring menus will be the death of appetites. I truly believe that. Think about it – remember when Monday meant meatloaf for supper, Tuesday was tacos, Wednesday was spaghetti and you always knew what was going to be on the table? Did you look forward to most of those repetitive meals? Honestly?

I am not going to argue that your mom makes a killer meatloaf, because I know mine does. But I think that eating the same meals over and over again becomes dull and boring.

So I try to use the same set of ingredients (since I know what foods my family loves) in different combinations. Sometimes I find a winner, sometimes not. Please do not ask my daughter about zucchini, she will say those recipes were all failures.

Apples, however, usually win thumbs up from the family. This week’s new apple recipe is wonderful as a cold salad. I strongly recommend eating this while sitting on the deck enjoying the evening breeze.

Apple Salad Recipe

Ingredients:

1 Red Delicious Apple
1 Green Granny Smith Apple
1 c. ham
½ c. Cheddar Cheese
¾ c. Honey Mustard Dressing

Directions:

Cut the apples into small pieces, about half an inch in size. Dice the ham and cheddar cheese into quarter inch bits. Toss apple, ham and cheese pieces in a medium size bowl with the honey mustard salad dressing.

Approximate Nutrition Information:

Servings Per Recipe: 4, Amount Per Serving: Calories: 430, Fat: 20g, Cholesterol: 37mg, Sodium: 1500g, Total Carbs: 52g, Protein: 12g.

Make it a Meal:

Serve with a sandwich for a light supper. Place on top lettuce leaves for a cool lunch salad.

Variations:

You may use any variety of apples that you like. The firmer apples such as red delicious and granny smith add crunch to the salad, as well as a bit of color.

My mother taught me that a good meal was like a good painting or quilt – made up of complimenting colors. The red, green, yellow, white and pink of this salad is really appealing. I am sure mom would approve.

Mom would also approve this recipe for its simplicity and ease of preparation. All you need to make this dish: sharp knife, cutting board, bowl and spoon. Quick clean up and great taste, your family will love this salad.

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