PUTTING APPLES TO WORK
Sneak apples into desserts and more, and ensure that your kids get their daily quota of fruit. Here are some kid-friendly ideas that put a fresh spin on the everyday apple.
APPLE-FENNEL SLAW 
Combine 2 Granny Smith apples, cut into 2-inch matchsticks, 1 fennel bulb, stalks discarded, halved, cored, and sliced thin, 3 thinly sliced scallions, ¼ cup chopped fresh mint, 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice in large bowl. Toss to combine and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serves 6.
SAUSAGE SUBS WITH APPLES AND ONIONS
Cook 1 pound Italian sausage, cut into 3-inch lengths, and 2 tablespoons olive oil in Dutch oven over medium-high heat until well browned, about 5 minutes. Stir in 2 Golden Delicious apples, peeled and sliced ¼ inch thick, 1 thinly sliced onion, and ¼ teaspoon salt; cook until lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Stir in ½ cup apple cider (or juice), ½ cup water, and 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage; cook until liquid has nearly evaporated, 8 to 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve with 4 toasted sub rolls. Serves 4.
EASY APPLE, SAUSAGE, AND CHEDDAR STRATA
Whisk 6 large eggs and 1½ cups whole milk together in large bowl. Stir in 12 ounces cooked maple breakfast sausage links, cut into ½-inch pieces, ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and 1 peeled and chopped apple. Fold in 5 slices toasted white bread, cut into ¾-inch pieces, until evenly moistened. Transfer to greased 2-quart gratin dish and sprinkle with ½ cup more cheese. Bake in 425-degree oven until lightly browned and hot, about 20 minutes. Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon minced fresh chives. Serves 4 to 6.
SAUTÉED APPLES OVER VANILLA ICE CREAM
Melt 2 tablespoons unsalted butter in 10-inch skillet over medium heat. Add 3 Golden Delicious apples, peeled and sliced ¼ inch thick, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon; cook, stirring often, until apples begin to soften and brown, about 5 minutes. Stir in ¾ cup apple cider (or juice) and ¼ cup maple syrup; simmer until apples are soft but still hold their shape and sauce is thick and syrupy, about 7 minutes. Serve with vanilla ice cream. Serves 4.
RED-HOT CANDIED APPLES
Insert 8 Popsicle sticks into 8 Golden Delicious apples. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and grease with vegetable oil spray. Combine 3 cups sugar, 1 cup water, 1 cup light corn syrup, and ¼ cup red hot candies in medium saucepan. Cover and bring to boil over medium-high heat, then uncover and cook until syrup reaches 300 degrees, 10 to 15 minutes. Off heat, stir in 2 teaspoons red food coloring. Carefully tilt pan and coat apples with syrup, one at a time, allowing excess to drip back into pot. Stand apples on prepared baking sheet and let candy harden for 15 minutes. Makes 8.