Bring the flavors of fall into your kitchen

There’s just something about October that makes me want to put apples in just about everything. Maybe it’s the cooler weather, the smell of cinnamon in the kitchen, or the excuse to visit an apple orchard and come home with far more apples than I actually need. Whatever it is, nothing welcomes fall quite like the taste of fresh apples.

This month, I’m sharing three simple recipes that put those apples to good use: Dutch Apple Bread, Apple Dippers and Chicken Apple Sausage Patties. Whether you’re in the mood for something sweet to enjoy with your morning coffee, an easy snack to share or a savory breakfast that feels a little special, these recipes have you covered.

The best part is that you don’t need to be an experienced baker or spend hours in the kitchen to make any of them. They’re approachable, use simple ingredients and are a fun way to bring a little fall flavor into your everyday meals. You can even make the bread and sausage ahead of time, so you have something delicious ready to enjoy throughout the week.

• My Bizzy Kitchen runs once a month in Food. Follow Biz Velatini on her blog at mybizzykitchen.com, on Instagram @mybizzykitchen and Facebook at facebook.com/mybizzykitchen.

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Chicken Apple Sausage Patties

Makes: 8 patties

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 10 minutes

Total time: 20 minutes

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into chunks

1 medium apple, cored and quartered (leave the skin on)

½ cup baby peppers

1 teaspoon crushed red pepper

2 tablespoons steak seasoning

3 tablespoons sugar-free pancake syrup

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

1 tablespoon dried parsley

Fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish (optional)

1. Add the apple to a food processor and pulse until finely shredded.

2. Add the chicken, baby peppers, crushed red pepper, steakhouse seasoning, pancake syrup, salt, pepper and dried parsley. Pulse just until the mixture is combined, being careful not to overprocess.

3. Divide the mixture into eight equal portions and shape into patties. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze them for 10 minutes to help them hold their shape.

4. Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat and lightly coat with cooking spray, if needed. Cook the patties for 5-6 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and the centers reach 165°F.

5. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley, if desired, and serve warm.

— Biz Velatini

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Dutch Apple Bread

Makes: 1 loaf, 10 slices

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 45 minutes

Total time: 55 minutes

½ cup (1 stick) butter, softened

⅔ cup sugar

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

2 teaspoons baking powder

½ teaspoon salt

⅓ cup unsweetened almond milk

2 medium apples, one shredded and one diced

⅓ cup chopped walnuts

¼ cup brown sugar

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.

2. In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

3. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, beating until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

4. Add the flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Mix until just combined.

5. Pour in the almond milk and mix until incorporated. Gently fold in the shredded and diced apples until evenly distributed throughout the batter.

6. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle the chopped walnuts and brown sugar evenly over the top.

7. Bake for 40-55 minutes, checking for doneness at the 40-minute mark.

Baking time will vary depending on your oven. The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or the internal temperature reaches 200°F-205°F.

8. Allow the bread to cool in the pan before slicing and serving.

— Biz Velatini

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Apple Waffle Dippers

Makes: 6 servings, half an apple each

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 45 minutes

Total time: 55 minutes

3 large apples

1¼ cups all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon sugar

2 teaspoons baking powder

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon cinnamon

1 large egg

¾ cup milk of choice (I used unsweetened almond milk)

2 tablespoons butter, melted and divided

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the cinnamon sugar

3 tablespoons sugar

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1. Wash and thinly slice the apples into approximately ⅛-inch slices. Set aside.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and cinnamon.

3. Add the egg, milk, 1 tablespoon of melted butter and vanilla extract. Stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

4. In a small bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of sugar and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon to make the cinnamon sugar. Set aside.

5. Preheat your waffle maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Dip each apple slice into the batter, coating both sides.

6. Place the battered apple slices in the waffle maker, leaving space between them as needed. Close the lid and cook until the coating is lightly golden brown and cooked through.

7. Carefully remove the apple dippers and brush both sides with the remaining 1 tablespoon of melted butter. Immediately toss them in the cinnamon sugar mixture until lightly coated.

8. Allow the dippers to cool completely, then transfer them to a zip-top bag and refrigerate until ready to eat.

To reheat: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Arrange the dippers in a single layer and air-fry for approximately 6 minutes, or until warmed through and lightly crisp. Serve with your favorite syrup.

— Biz Velatini