Vienna, Va. — It's nearly the holidays, the time of year when cooks get inspired to be creative and recipes that are used once a year make their annual appearance. Consider this, delicious recipes don't need to be difficult or complicated, nor do they need to use obscure ingredients often hard to find, much less afford. Think instead to make this season just a little bit easier and choose to feature one of America's favorite fruits -- apples. They are a natural fit to any holiday meal. Their distinct taste, wonderful crispy texture, and visual appeal make them the perfect ingredient.

Impress your family and friends with a starter salad that is as beautiful as it is delicious. Smoked turkey, apple and fennel salad has the perfect blend of flavors that make this a standout starter, or main course. Easy apple chicken curry simmers with a complexity of flavors that will make your family and friends think you've spent hours in the kitchen.

Remember as well that during the holidays you can find other ways to incorporate delicious apple products into the season such as; serving apple cider or juice gently warmed and topped with cinnamon; top apple slices with a sharp cheddar cheese; or serve chunky applesauce as an accompaniment to a succulent pork roast.

If you are going to reprint these recipes, we request that you cite "U.S. Apple Association" as your source. You may download the professional photos that accompany these recipes on our website at http://www.usapple.org/media/imagelibrary/photolist.cfm#2006recipes.

Smoked Turkey, Apple, and Fennel Salad
This beautiful salad is as tasty as it is stunning. It can be served as a starter course, or main dish depending on what suites your occasion.

Vinaigrette:

2	garlic cloves, halved
2/3	cup fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth
1/4	cup chopped fresh parsley
2	tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2	tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1	tablespoon grapeseed or olive oil
2	teaspoons Dijon mustard
1/2	teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Salad:

6	cups torn romaine lettuce leaves
1	5-ounce bag spring mix mesclun salad
3	large apples, cored and diced, (about 4 cups)
1	whole fennel bulb thinly sliced, (about 3 1/2 cups)
1.5	cups halved seedless red grapes
1	pound smoked turkey breast sliced into strips or cubed
1/3	cups toasted, chopped pecans
1/3	cup crumbled goat cheese, (optional)

To prepare vinaigrette, drop garlic through food chute with food processor on; process until minced. Add chicken broth and next 6 ingredients (through black pepper); process until well blended. Set aside.

To prepare salad, combine romaine and mesclun mix on a serving platter. In a large separate bowl, combine apples, fennel, and grapes. Pour about ½ of the vinaigrette over the apple mixture and toss gently to coat. Spoon the apple mixture over lettuce. Arrange the smoked turkey over the salad and sprinkle with the pecans and goat cheese if desired. Spoon the remaining vinaigrette over the salad. Serve immediately.

Servings: 6 to 8
Preparation Time: 20 Minutes
Total Time: 20 Minutes

Nutritional Information Per Serving:

Calories: 190	Carbohydrates: 21 g
Total fat: 7 g	Cholesterol: 25 mg
Saturated fat: 1 g	Dietary fiber: 5 g
Calories from fat: 60	Sodium: 850 mg
Protein: 14 g

Easy Apple-Chicken Curry
This simple, yet flavorful dish is a welcome addition to holiday mealtime. Its fragrant aroma, and beautiful composition make it a winner to serve for guests and family alike.

2 3/4	cups water
1	tablespoon light, unsalted butter
1 1/2	cups rice
2/3	cup all-purpose flour
1	teaspoon salt, divided
1/2	teaspoon black pepper
7	boneless, skinless chicken breasts, about 6 ounces each
1	tablespoon vegetable oil
2	cups chopped onion, about 1 medium onion
1 1/2	cups diced red pepper, about 1 large
1 1/2	cups diced green pepper, about 1 large
2	large garlic cloves, pressed
2	tablespoons curry powder
1	14-ounce can diced tomatoes
1	cup apple cider
1	cup chicken stock
1/3	cup currants or raisins
2	large apples, cored and diced

Bring water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add butter, ½ teaspoon salt, and rice; stir well and return water to a boil. Cover and reduce heat to low. Cook for 20 minutes or until tender. Remove from heat and fluff with a fork.
Combine flour, remaining ½ teaspoon salt and black pepper in a shallow dish. Slice each chicken breast and thigh in half on an angle. Dredge the chicken pieces in the seasoned flour. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat; add the oil to the pan. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook about 3 to 4 minutes per side or until golden brown. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside. Stir in onions, peppers, and garlic and cook about 5 minutes. Add curry, stirring well. Add tomatoes, cider, chicken stock, and currants. Simmer for about 5 minutes, and then add apples and chicken to skillet. Bring to a boil and lower heat to simmer. Serve over warm rice.

Servings: 7
Prep Time: 15 Minutes
Total Time: 45 Minutes

Nutritional Information Per Serving:

Calories: 740	Carbohydrates: 99 g
Total fat: 24 g	Cholesterol: 110 mg
Saturated fat: 8 g	Dietary Fiber: 5 g
Calories from fat:	220 Sodium: 600 mg
Protein: 35 g

Note: The text of this release can be downloaded from the News Releases section of USApple's Media Web site, at http://www.usapple.org/media/newsreleases/index.shtml. The U.S. Apple Association (USApple) is the national trade association representing all segments of the apple industry. Members include 36 state and regional apple associations representing the 7,500 apple growers throughout the country, as well as more than 300 individual firms involved in the apple business. USApple's mission is to provide the means for all segments of the U.S. apple industry to join in appropriate collective efforts to profitably produce and market apples and apple products.