Orchard Recipes

This deliciously spiced apple tartlet recipe is a quick and easy treat to make when you're in a rush. They taste best when eaten within a few hours of being made. For the coziest indulgence, take a warm-from-the-oven apple tartlet, dust it with a bit of powdered sugar, and serve it with a petite scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Desserts that are quick and easy to make, as well as being truly special seem few and far between. This spiced fruit over pound cake recipe satisfies a number of cravings. Sautéed fruit, either apples or pears, comes together quickly and tastes just like a handmade tart with a touch of spice. Add rich, buttery pound cake and a generous finish of lightly sweetened whipped cream to make the ultimate dessert: a not-too-sweet study in textures, flavors, and aromas sure to please all your guests.

Sweet and earthy, this apple, beet, and pear salad recipe combines the best of the autumn harvest. Irresistibly refreshing apples and pears are perfectly enhanced by a slightly sweet apple champagne vinaigrette speckled with shredded apple and topped with salty blue cheese crumbles. Serve it as a light and healthy main course or a special dinner party salad.

This country cheese and apple tart recipe from Burgundy is made with Epoisses cheese and pate brisee. Epoisses is made by monks at the abbey of Citeaux and was reportedly adored by Napoleon. In a pinch, Muenster cheese can be used as a substitute, but it does remove the authenticity of the dish. This tart is an incredibly easy and nutritious dinner to make when you’re in a rush.

This traditional pear tarte Tatin recipe is accented with the tiniest amount of a secret ingredient: lemon zest. More obvious, but equally enhancing in flavor, is a good dash of warming nutmeg. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or Chantilly cream to the dessert for a rich after-dinner treat.

Caramelizing fresh pears by roasting and then pairing them with strong blue cheese in this roasted pear salad is a wonderful way to elevate a classic dish into something really special. Homemade shallot vinaigrette dressing is a tangy complement to the warm sweetness of the roasted pears. Pair this salad with a crisp white or rose wine.

This cinnamon applesauce recipe is redolent with citrus zest, vanilla notes, and just the right amount of warm cinnamon spice. The secret, unexpected ingredient is a small dollop of apricot preserves; it enhances the ingredients to rustic perfection, without being overly discernable. This spiced applesauce can be used as a base for a classic French apple tart or as a simple accompaniment to ham or roasted poultry.

Pears and bright, lemony-spicy ginger are a perfect flavor match. This gingered pear preserves recipe uses two types of ginger - fresh and crystallized - to add complexity and depth to the finished product. Jars of this mildly spiced preserve are a perfect gift during cold winter holidays and wonderful for cool autumn breakfasts.

This classic French dessert is punched up with the essence of cinnamon. Ease of preparation and beautiful presentation make this dish a great selection for dinner parties.

Take one bite of this apple cider pound cake recipe and you'll be transported to the orchard country of Quebec. This deliciously spiced quatre quarts cake was inspired by a drive on La Route des Cidres, in Quebec's Monteregie region, which is dotted with apple orchards, cider houses, and picturesque inns. Serve this tender cider cake with a latte for a mellow, effortless snack.