There's a very laudable organization here in town called the Baltimore Orchard Project whose goal is to remind us that we are surrounded by an urban forest. And like any good forest, a lot of those trees are bearing fruit, which is there for the taking. And there are some very interesting things out there including the mythical pawpaw.
Click on the image for some apple recipes.
What we have are mulberry trees and wild growing apple trees scattered around our streets, parks and urban forests. Oh, and the odd pawpaw. So if you stumble across a wild apple tree, here are some ideas for enjoying your free harvest.
Dried Apple Chips
Ingredients
6 apples, peeled and cored
tsp ground cinnamon
1. Cut the apples into thin slices, about 1/4" thick.
2. Place apples on a non-stick baking sheet and sprinkle with cinnamon.
3. Bake the apples in a pre-heated 200° oven for 2 hours or so, until they are crisp and crunchy.
Apple Salsa
Ingredients
2-3 large apples
1 red pepper diced
1/3 cup lime juice
1/4 cup red onion, diced
1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced
1/4 cup minced cilantro
1 tbs honey
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1. Mix the ingredients in a large bowl, chill and serve.
Apple Braised Cabbage
Ingredients
4 cups shredded red cabbage
1 apple, peeled, cored and chopped
3 tbs butter
3 tbs apple cider vinegar
3 tbs water
1 tbs caraway seeds
1. Put all the ingredients in the skillet or sauce pan on medium heat on the stove top.
2. Cover skillet or sauce pan, stir occasionally. Cook until tender, about 20 minutes.
Sprinkle on caraway seeds and stir into the mixture.
