I’ve been struggling with a post topic for Halloween – there’s only so much pumpkin one can eat. Then I came across a wonderful article by Helen Nichols – 34 Science-Backed Health Benefits Of Apples. A lightbulb went off!Inspired by my new-found apple information and beautiful photos, I decided to create an apple based recipe. A memory shot out from the deep recesses of my mind of a college friend who told me she made an apple omelette because it was all she had in the fridge. She couldn’t believe how delicious it was. I was skeptical, but obviously intrigued enough to file it away in my memory-bank.

Ideas began floating around me: apples… potatoes… onion… Halloween. Finally it hit me – a frittata filled with apples, potatoes, and onions, topped with melted orange colored cheese to resemble a pumpkin.

Like most egg dishes, APPLE-POTATO FRITTATA needs to set before eating so it’s firm enough to retain its shape. This is perfect for a Halloween dinner – you can make it before the trick-or-treaters come knocking at your door, then eat it during lulls in between visits. It doesn’t need to be piping hot to enjoy.

Note:  Make sure your skillet is oven-proof. The ideal pan for this recipe is cast-iron.

Additional Note:  I leave the apples and potato unpeeled for added nutrients and fibre.

APPLE-POTATO FRITTATA – makes 4-5 servings

• 1 cup onions, chopped
• 1 lb Yukon potato, UNpeeled
• 1 lb apples (I prefer Golden Delicious), UNpeeled
• 6 T olive oil, divided
• 1½ tsp salt, divided
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• 1 tsp dried dill
• 8 eggs
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 8 oz orange colored cheese (I used Colby Longhorn), shredded

Into a medium sized mixing bowl put 4 T olive oil, 1 tsp salt, and the pepper. Add in onions. Slice the potato in half, then cut each half in half in the same direction. Thinly slice each quarter in the opposite direction. Stir into onions, mixing well.

Heat 1 T olive oil in cast iron 10″ skillet over medium/high flame. Pour in onion mixture. Press down with a spatula, making an even layer. Cover pan with lid. Set timer for 15 minutes. Stir, pack down, and cover again every 5 minutes until 15 minutes is up.

Note:  Trust me on this:  set your timer, when indicated!  I realize it’s for a short period of time and you’re sure you’ll remember. Been there, done that. These short periods of time are just long enough to think you can squeeze in a small chore, which always takes longer than expected. SET YOUR TIMER!

While onions/potatoes are cooking, cut the apples: with apples sitting upright, cut down along edge of core. Turn apple 45 degrees and cut again. Do this 2 more times. Discard core. Take the 4 pieces and half them horizontally. Then make thin slices vertically. When timer goes off, stir apples into onions/potatoes. Pack down and continue cooking, covered, for 5 minutes more.

While apples are cooking, break eggs into the same mixing bowl you used for the onions and potatoes – no point in dirtying another bowl. Add in sour cream and remaining 1/2 tsp salt. Lightly whisk together.

When apple/onion/potato mixture is finished cooking, stir into eggs. Heat 1 T olive oil in skillet over medium/high and pour in egg mixture. Run a heat-proof spatula along edge of skillet for 15 seconds to stir up the eggs a bit. Smooth top, cover, and cook 5 minutes.

Preheat oven to 350º fahrenheit.

Uncover skillet and place in oven. Set timer for 20 minutes. Remove from oven and sprinkle on cheese, covering entire top. Put back in oven and bake 5 more minutes to melt cheese.

Remove from oven and decorate, if desired. I used black olive slices. Let set for, at least, 20 minutes before slicing. (If you’re feeling decadent, you can slather extra sour cream on top!)

Thank you, Helen Nichols, for the motivation to create this delicious recipe!