Apple Soup

Although apples are 80-90% water and are fat and sodium-free, they are a great source of Vitamins C and E, and contain potassium, phosphorous, niacin and boron. Just one apple has more fibre than a bowl of oatmeal or most brands of cold cereal. Apple peels are rich in antioxidants. All this and more contribute to our health and helps confirm the adage, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.”

a harness shop. You’ll also enjoy Prescott House Museum in Port Williams, former home of Charles Prescott, aka the father of the apple industry in NS. In the early 1800s, Prescott introduced Gravensteins to the province—the quintessential multi-purpose apple.

6. Make apple prints. You’ll need: apples, knife, tempera paint, heavy paper, or Bristol board to make cards or bookmarks. Carve apples into shapes such as diamonds, hearts, stars, animals, or abstract designs. Make sure the “stamp” has a level bottom. Pour paint into trays (Styrofoam bottoms saved from packets of meat or fish work well). Dip design into paint, shake off excess, then stamp away. Christmas tree decorations are also easy to make by slicing apples thinly “in the round.”

Dry on a cookie sheet in 250˚F oven for 3–4 hours. Cool. Add a bit of glue and some sparkly stuff if you wish.

7. Apple soup anyone? Keep your guests guessing about the ingredients of this soup. Sauté 1 sliced onion then add chunks of 3 peeled potatoes, 6 peeled/cored apples, a tbsp of nutmeg, salt and pepper. Cover with 10-12 C of chicken or vegetable broth; simmer for 45 minutes. When cooled, blend in food processor. Heat to serve and add a dollop of sour cream per bowl. For fun, substitute a small turnip for potatoes.

SANDRA PHINNEY The history of apples runs deep in Nova Scotia and there are boundless ideas for creating delicious apple treats.