A Secret About Apple Season!

Fall is here, and that means it’s time to pull out your favorite sweaters, light a candle, and get back in the kitchen. This is my favorite season for cooking — the air feels cozy, the markets are full of gorgeous fall produce, and apples are at their peak.

Here’s a little secret that makes all the difference when you’re slicing apples for cheese boards, appetizers, or other fresh dishes: some apple varieties don’t turn brown.

Apples, like most produce, oxidize once they’re cut; that’s what causes the browning we so often see. A few varieties have a natural ability to stay fresh-looking and crisp even after slicing.

So when you need apples that are meant to shine on a platter, board, or salad, reach for Cosmic Crisp, Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, Envy, Cortland, and Arctic apples. They keep their fresh color, making them perfect for entertaining and for anyone who loves a pretty plate!

This time of year always inspires me to play with apples in both sweet and savory ways. I’ve shared some of my favorite apple creations over the years — from elegant tarts to little bites that are just right for fall gatherings — and I thought now would be the perfect time to revisit a few of them.

So pour yourself a mug of cider, turn on some music, and join me in the kitchen!

I don’t know about you, but I love to start a special meal with a cocktail. My Apple Rosemary Martini is crisp, slightly sweet, and has that herbaceous note that makes us happy it’s fall. Shake a few up for your next gathering!

If you’re looking for an appetizer, my favorite Go-To is always my Apple Crostini. I am super proud of this creation for a lot of reasons. To start, it is gorgeous and a little unexpected; it’s light, and the flavors are perfectly balanced. I hope you’ll give it a try.

One of my personal favorites is my Curried Chicken Salad with Apples. Lately, I’ve been making this a few times a month, and I always look forward to my lunchtime salad with a scoop of this crispy goodness on top!

One of my most popular apple recipes is an Apple Cake that I developed in 2020. It really took off, and people still tell me it has become a family favorite.

If you are looking for something with a French vibe, try my Apple Pistachio Tart. It is lovely and impossible to resist.

I hope you enjoyed this collection of some of my most popular apple recipes. This post would not be complete without the beautiful Magic Apple Cake I posted last week. You can also click to Instagram to see me making this cake!

Apples are good for you, so load your baskets and let me know which recipes are YOUR favorites!

If all this talk of cooking has you itching to get into the kitchen with me, I still have a few openings left in my fall cooking classes — a perfect way to gather, cook, a

Thursday, November 13^th, 6:30-8:30 Artful, Elegant Appetizers Made Simple 2 SEATS OPEN Join me for a hands-on cooking class where you’ll learn to craft appetizers that look as incredible as they taste. This evening will inspire your inner artist while giving you entertaining skills you’ll use again and again. To sip, we will enjoy Mistletoe Martinis. On the menu: Elegant Personal Cheese Boards, an idea you’ll keep on repeat, a breathtaking Vegetable Centerpiece made in minutes, luscious and artfully swirled Holiday Hummus with piles of toppings, Sweet Potato Canapés with beets and goat cheese, stunning Roasted Cherry Tomatoes with Creamy Burrata will make your taste buds READ MORE & REGISTER

Thursday, November 20th 6:00-7:45 The Art of the Aperitif 2 SEATS OPEN So elegant, so refined—the cherished hour before dinner when cocktails, small bites, and lively conversation mingle effortlessly. In France, this ritual is a way of life, and in this beautiful class, we’ll learn how to bring that same spirit into our own homes just in time for the holiday entertaining season. We’ll begin with three classic French cocktails often served during l’heure de l’apéritif. We will taste all three and pick our passion to enjoy! We will shake the French 76, the French Martini, and the Kir Royale, From there, we’ll turn our attention to the irresistible foods that make this hour so memorable. We’ll prepare three gorgeous and refined tartlets READ MORE & REGISTER

Thursday, December 4th Holiday Tea 4 SEATS OPEN (Friday, December 5th SOLD OUT) Whether you’re looking for a festive event out or planning to host your own holiday tea, celebrate the season with an enchanting afternoon of tea-time delights! This festive cooking class is the perfect outing with a friend—and it’s brimming with inspiration for hosting your very own holiday tea at home. On the savory side: we’ll prepare delicate Herbed Cucumber Sandwiches, a staple for any wonderful tea time, incredible Apple Curry Chicken Salad Sandwiches, and homemade savory Scones Stuffed with Smoked Salmon READ MORE & REGISTER

Looking a little further ahead, ATOP September 2026 trips — Provence and the Creative Renaissance in Paris — are now open for registration. Whether you’re dreaming of sun-drenched markets in the South of France or days filled with art, design, and inspiration in Paris, there’s something truly special waiting next fall.

Creative Renaissance — Paris — September 10th-16th 2026

Find your spark in Paris — where art, style, and story come alive in every corner. A trip designed to engage all the senses, you do not have to be an artist to attend this trip.