Cooking a meal for your significant other is a wonderful way to say “I love you”. If you want to make a splash, planning is going to be your best friend. Taking the time to think through your menu and organize yourself will ensure a smooth meal come go-time. How to plan a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner is simple thanks to our tips and recipe suggestions below. Decoration: set the mood  Valentine’s Day is the opportunity to make your loved one feel special, so set your table to match the occasion. Use your best table cloth, plates and cutlery. Fold cloth napkins into fancy [...]

Eating healthfully while keeping meals interesting can be challenging. What to include? What to leave out?  There is no definite answer to what makes the perfect healthy diet but here are some guidelines to put you on the right path: Eat more fruits and vegetables Increasing the amount of fruits and vegetables in your diet means you’ll be consuming more fiber, vitamins, minerals and water, while avoiding saturated fat and cholesterol. Start by reducing portions of animal protein and upping the volume of plants on your plate. Apples are particularly healthy and versatile so keep them within reach at all times. [...]

It’s the most important meal of the day on one of the most exciting days of the year! With all the present-opening ahead, make sure to kick off Christmas with a gorgeous breakfast spread. Apples are plentiful this time of year and offer the versatility you need to make a range of exceptional Christmas morning treats. Here are a few of our favorite apple breakfast recipes to delight your family and friends around the table on Christmas day. Eggnog French toast casserole Start Christmas with this holiday-ready breakfast bake! Eggnog, apples and cranberries are delightful together. Source: Chelan Fresh Easy applesauce [...]

The holidays are right around the corner and it’s time for some meal planning! Getting through the holidays can be tricky, especially when hosting or contributing to multiple family gatherings. Meal planning is simply looking ahead and deciding what recipes to prepare for when, and what you need to make them. Doing this is particularly helpful when you have special occasions coming up or you’re expecting company. Proper meal planning will help you: Buy groceries more effectively: no more last-minute runs to the store! Prepare balanced meals: the holidays are a great time to splurge, but it’s always helpful to have [...]

The SugarBee® apple is a new variety that owes half its parentage to the fan-favorite Honeycrisp apple. Harvesting starts at the start of October, so SugarBee® apples are available in time for the holiday season. This premium-grade apple variety is bright with a crimson skin that ranges from 30%-100% red. The firm skin and creamy white fresh offer a nice snap with each bite. Its juicy sweetness is balanced by just the right amount of acidity. This crisp and juicy apple makes an excellent raw snack but is also very versatile in the kitchen. The SugarBee® holds its shape well when cooked, making it a great variety for baking and roasting. All in [...]

You’ve probably heard the proverb “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” This saying was first recorded in Wales during the 1860’s with the original wording “Eat an apple on going to bed, and you’ll keep the doctor from earning his bread.” Clearly apples have been recognized as a health food for a very long time, and for good reason.  Apples are one of the most cultivated and consumed fruits on the planet. They are very rich in antioxidants, flavonoids and dietary fiber, which elevates the humble apple to the rank of bonafide superfood. Studies suggest that apples may help reduce the risk of developing medical [...]

Autumn conjures up images of stunning foliage, warm cardigans, gorgeous seasonal produce and Fall spices. Heartwarming spices like cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and cloves, not to mention the ubiquitous pumpkin spice blend, pair beautifully with this season’s abundant apple and pear varieties. Fall spice recipes are popular with adults and kids alike. Here are some of our favorite cozy Autumnal recipes featuring apples, pears and Fall spices. Pear Fall spice recipes  Butternut squash and pear soup with spiced chickpeas  Put on your coziest sweater and warm your heart with this original spiced butternut squash and pear soup featuring baked Moroccan spiced chickpeas.  Source: Chelan Fresh  Roasted pear chai rice pudding  [...]

Raw or cooked, Bartlett pears are a healthy addition to any meal as they are loaded with fiber, vitamin C and antioxidants. You’ll know your Bartlett pears are ripe when they turn from green to yellow.  This tasty, grainy, and juicy pear variety has a true “pear flavor” is very versatile in the kitchen. Here are some of our favorite ways to eat Bartlett pears:  Cucumber and pear gazpacho  This original cucumber pear gazpacho is spiked with honeydew melon to create a refreshing and delicious chilled summer soup.  Source: Chelan Fresh  Poached ice tea pears  Nothing says summer like ice tea! Our poached [...]

We’ve been making full use of the gorgeous seasonal produce to create original recipes that are cool and tasty. With only a few weeks of summer left, why not try one of the following recipes?  If you have a hard time getting your hands on fresh cherries, just use frozen! (Check out our tips for storing and freezing cherries)  Cucumber and pear gazpacho We’re in love this cucumber pear gazpacho spiked with honeydew melon. It’s refreshing and absolutely delicious! A real showstopper.  Source: Chelan Fresh  Apple pear fennel salad This crisp and hydrating salad includes two of our favorite fruits: pears and apples! Enjoy as a [...]