(Family Features) Few things go together like the weekend and brunch. Whether that means gathering with family, friends or a combination of both, it’s the perfect time to slow down and bring your loved ones together for a lighthearted meal.

Catering to a variety of different palates requires a diverse menu of dishes ranging from fresh fruit and baked goods to proteins and more. A key ingredient to bring any spread together: Envy apples, which are a natural cross between Braeburn and Royal Gala apples.

With their beautifully balanced sweetness, uplifting fresh aroma, delightfully satisfying crunch and bright red skin that sometimes features a golden blush, they can be served fresh or paired with other brunch favorites in shareable dishes like the Brunch Board with a Twist. Plus, their naturally white flesh doesn’t brown as quickly as other apples, making them easy to savor while enjoying time with loved ones.

Find sweet brunch recipe inspiration at EnvyApple.com.

Watch video to see how to make this recipe!

Brunch Board with a Twist

• 2          Envy Apples, sliced
• boiled eggs, halved
• cooked bacon
• bananas, sliced
• berries
• miniature pancakes
• edible flowers, for garnish
• 2-3       Envy Apples, for garnish

1. On breakfast platter, artfully arrange sliced apple, halved boiled eggs, bacon, bananas, berries and pancakes
2. Garnish with edible flowers and whole apples.

Source: Envy Apples

(Family Features) When your family’s favorite dishes inevitably grow tired, a touch of sweetness may be all you need to freshen up the flavor of classic recipes. Keep tried-and-true dinners on the table with a simple addition that complements the tastes you know and love: fresh fruit.

With its craveable texture and crunch, balanced sweetness and beautiful golden red color, an option like Envy Apples can be enjoyed as part of delicious meals. While they’re often best served fresh or paired with cheese boards, sandwiches or mocktails, their sweetness also plays up when combined with pasta, shrimp, Parmesan, toasted almonds and more in this Apples and Pesto Farfalle.

To change up Taco Tuesday, bite into these Crisp Apple Tacos and believe in the uplifting aroma and flavor of apples as an invitation to savor those small moments around the family table. It can be your ultimate apple experience and introduce loved ones to new ways to rethink their favorite weekly meals.

Plus, because Envy Apple slices naturally stay white longer than other varieties, they maintain their beauty while you cook so finished dishes look as delicious as they taste.

To find more ways to sweeten up family meals, visit EnvyApple.com.

Apples and Pesto Farfalle

• 1 pound farfalle pasta
• 3 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, plus additional for cooking pasta, divided
• 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus additional for cooking pasta, to taste, divided
• 1 bunch parsley leaves
• 1 cup toasted almonds
• 1 cup shredded Parmesan
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 30 turns fresh cracked pepper
• 2 cups cooked peas
• 2 Envy Apples, diced

• 1 bunch chives, thinly sliced
• 1 block Parmesan
• 20 shrimp
• 2 tablespoons canola oil
• 1/2 teaspoons coarse pepper

1. Cook pasta in salted boiling water until just tender. Drain and toss gently with olive oil, to taste, then set aside.
2. In food processor, pulse parsley leaves, almonds, shredded Parmesan, 2 teaspoons kosher salt, lemon juice and cracked pepper. Once pulsed, turn processor on high and drizzle in 1/3 cup olive oil until well incorporated.
3. Toss pasta with fresh pesto until well coated. Fold in peas, apples and chives. Using peeler, shave thin slices off Parmesan block over pasta for garnish.
4. Preheat grill or grill pan over high heat.
5. Toss shrimp in canola oil, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and coarse pepper. Grill 2 minutes on each side, or until charred slightly. Spread evenly over pasta and serve.

Crisp Apple Tacos

• 2 Envy Apples
• 1/2 pound pork tenderloin
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 3 rosemary sprigs
• 1/2 cup shredded carrots
• 1/2 cup shredded red cabbage
• 1 cup shredded green cabbage
• 4 tablespoons honey
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon mustard
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar
• salt, to taste
• pepper, to taste
• 12 tortillas
• 2 tablespoons sour cream
• 1 lime, cut into wedges

1. Slice half of one apple into thick wedges; reserve. Slice remaining half into thin sticks; reserve. Slice second apple into thin wedges; reserve.
2. Cut pork crosswise into 1-inch round medallions. Coat pork medallions with olive oil, salt and pepper then add to saucepan over medium heat. Add thick apple wedges to saucepan.
3. Add rosemary to saucepan and cook 2-3 minutes. Flip pork and cook 2-3 minutes until pork is slightly golden and cooked through.
4. Let pork rest 3 minutes then slice into strips.
5. In serving bowl, toss thin apple sticks, carrots, red cabbage and green cabbage. Mix honey, mayonnaise, mustard and vinegar. Add salt and pepper, to taste.
6. Mix dressing and cabbage; refrigerate at least 1 hour prior to serving.
7. Top tortillas with pork, slaw, sour cream and squeezes of lime. Top with thin apple wedges.

Source: Envy Apples

(Family Features) All that holiday hustle and bustle can work up some real hunger. Between decorating, baking and preparing for entertaining, hosts often earn an afternoon snack.

When you and your loved ones need a boost of energy before guests arrive, turn to a fresh ingredient like Envy apples, which provide an easy way to whip up a delicious sandwich due to their sweet taste and availability. The sweet, sophisticated flavor; uplifting, fresh aroma; delightfully satisfying crunch; beautiful appearance; and naturally white flesh all lend themselves to this Apple Cranberry Havarti Melt. As a quick, simple way to reenergize before the big party, it’s a perfect snack the whole family can enjoy together.

Visit EnvyApple.com to find more holiday-worthy recipes from breakfast and snacks to the main course and sweet desserts.

Watch video to see how to make this recipe!

Apple Cranberry Havarti Melt
Servings: 4

• 2          tablespoons melted butter
• 8          oat-wheat bread slices
• 1/2       cup cranberry sauce
• 12        ounces Havarti cheese
• 2          Envy apples

1. Preheat oven to 450 F.
2. Lightly butter one side of each bread slice and place on baking sheet butter side down. On side without butter, spread cranberry sauce on half of bread slices.
3. Slice Havarti cheese about 1/4-inch thick and place over cranberry layer. Thinly slice apples and layer over cheese. Top with remaining bread slices with butter side up.
4. Bake 5 minutes then carefully flip each sandwich. Bake 3-5 minutes until cheese is melty.

Source: Envy Apples