15 ways to use your apples

If you notice precious few late-summer tomatoes still left in your garden, let apples take the lead in a zesty salsa. Use Jonathans or Northern Spies for a tart salsa; Macouns or Golden Delicious for a sweeter taste. Whichever variety you choose, apples add crisp juicy flavor to a family dinner favorite.

Apple Black Bean Salsa
Makes about 3 cups

Jalapeno peppers can range from mild to fiery. To avoid flavor jolts, taste a tiny bit before deciding how much to add. To prevent the apples from discoloring, add them to the bowl with the lime juice.

1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup diced plum tomatoes
1 cup diced unpeeled apple
2 tablespoons lime juice
1/4 cup diced red onion
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh cilantro
1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely minced
Salt to taste

Combine all the ingredients in a large bowl. Mix gently with a large spoon.

For more inventive apple recipes, visit usapple.org, the website of the US Apple Foundation