I'm a firm believer in the old apple a day adage. And apple season might just be my favorite time at the State Farmers Market. I love tasting all the different kinds. My favorite are the really crisp, tart versions, including honeycrisp, mutsu and pink lady.

North Carolina ranks seventh in apple production in the United States. And this Thursday is Apple Day at the market. 

I'm happy just eating an apple whole. But I also mix chunks up in my tuna or chicken salad or sprinkle small bits into pancake batter.

But check out these yummy-sounding recipes by chefs at top restaurants and cooking contest winners across the state courtesy of the state agriculture department.  The apple and pork stirfry sounds really good.