The apple seems such a simple fruit, until it's chopped, baked, fried or even caramelised.

It's a healthy addition to any diet and surprisingly versatile, given it works wonders in hundreds of dishes from breakfast and snacks, to lunch, dinner and even drinks.

Check out these three wonderful ways with juicy red, green and pink Washington apples, direct from the USA.

The red one

This crunchy, heart-shaped and mildly sweet apple is best eaten as a snack and in salads and desserts.

Try our Washington Apple Pie Milkshake. It is sweet, refreshing and easy to prepare.

This milkshake is kid-friendly and great for breakfast.

You will need:

2 Washington Apple (Gala or Red Delicious), peeled and cubed

1 cup Milk

1 cup Yogurt

1/8 tsp Nutmeg

3 tbsp Maple Syrup

¼ cup Rolled Oats

5 Dates

1 tsp Cinnamon

Whipped Cream or Caramel Sauce to serve

DIRECTIONS

Combine all the ingredients in a blender. Blend until smooth. Chill as desired.

To serve, top with whipped cream, caramel sauce or both.

The pink/orange one

The Gala apple is the pinkish-orange striped apple and they are known for being crispy, sweet and snappy.

They are Great option for salads but taste great in this apple and gorgonzola cheese pizza, which is a great choice for parties and family gatherings.

You will need:

Topping

1 Washington Apple (Gala), sliced

½ cup Gorgonzola Cheese, crumbled

¼ cup Rocket Leaves

Pizza Dough

200 g Flour

1 tsp Yeast

½ tsp Salt

120 ml Warm Water

Balsamic Glaze

1 cup Balsamic Vinegar

1 tbsp Sugar

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 180°C.
2. To prepare the Balsamic Glaze, stir balsamic vinegar and sugar in a pan over low heat until the liquid is reduced and a thick consistency is reached. Set aside.
3. Mix flour, yeast, salt and warm water in a bowl. Knead for 10 minutes. Leave dough to rest for 1 hour or until it rises.
4. Roll out dough and place in a pan lined with baking paper. Sprinkle Gorgonzola cheese and add apple slices.
5. Bake for 20 minutes. Remove from oven, drizzle with balsamic glaze and top with rocket leaves. Serve immediately.

The green one

The Granny Smith is a favourite with Washington State bakers as they are tart, crisp, juicy and versatile.

The Washington Cheddar walnut loaf wouldn't be the same without them with it's combination of sweet and savory flavours.

It's perfect to have with morning coffee or afternoon tea.

You will need:

1 Washington Apple (Gala or Granny Smith), grated

120 g Butter, melted

60 g walnuts, chopped

2 Eggs

80 g White Sugar

90 g Brown Sugar

½ tsp Cinnamon Powder

90 g Flour

¼ tsp Nutmeg Powder

½ tsp Salt

¼ tsp Baking Powder

½ tsp Baking Soda

150 g Cheddar Cheese, grated

3 pcs Beef Bacon, finely chopped

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 180°C.
2. In a bowl, combine melted butter, white and brown sugar, eggs, cinnamon powder, nutmeg powder, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Mix well.
3. Add flour, 100 grams of cheddar cheese, apple, walnut and beef bacon. Combine well until no lumps left.
4. Spoon batter into a buttered loaf pan lined with baking paper. Sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese on top. Bake for 25-35 minutes.
5. Serve warm or cold, with coffee or tea, as desired.

Washington State is home to more than 30 types of apples. They range in flavour, texture, and colour, yet all of them are juicy, nutritious, and very tasty.

Check out more @WashingtonApplesME