When you think of fall, what comes to mind? Is it the changing leaves? The crisp air setting in? Fall may mark the end of summer, but with this change of seasons we can look forward to a continued abundance of fresh, local foods.
In addition to the much-adored pies and crisps, there are many ways to make use of one of this season’s most popular foods— apples!
These recipes embrace the fun of the season and highlight some of the creative ways we can enjoy “an apple a day!” These three, quick snacks are a great opportunity to get the kids involved—let them help with simple tasks like stirring, measuring and serving!
Apple Donuts [video]
Ingredients
1 – 2 apples
Nut butter – almond, cashew or peanut butter
Rolled oats
Dried cranberries
Chopped almonds
Directions
- Slice 1 or 2 apples; you should get 4-5 slices per apple.
- Remove core from each apple slice.
- Spread on a thin layer of nut butter - your choice: almond butter, cashew butter or peanut butter.
- Sprinkle on some toppings – your choice: rolled oats, dried cranberries or chopped almonds.
- Enjoy!
Video link - https://youtu.be/FayynYZXdSM?list=PLoiAXcxNjJLMg6bBQjitwSivgKqhCKpqE
Apple Nachos
Ingredients
1/3 cup dried cranberries or raisins (unsweetened)
¼ cup sliced almonds (unsalted)
2 tablespoons unsalted sunflower seeds (no shells)
3 apples, sliced
1-2 teaspoons lemon juice (optional)
2 tablespoons water
¼ cup reduced-fat peanut butter (or any nut butter)
1 tablespoon honey
Directions
- In a small bowl, combine toppings: dried cranberries/raisins, almonds and sunflower seeds. Set aside.
- Thinly slice apples. On a large plate, layer half of the apples. Optional: sprinkle lemon juice over them to reduce browning.
- Bring 2 tablespoons of water to a boil. In a small bowl, mix hot water with peanut butter and honey. Stir until mixture is smooth.
- Drizzle half the peanut butter mixture over the plated apple slices. Sprinkle with half the toppings mixture.
- Layer remaining apples on top and repeat with remaining peanut butter mixture and toppings mixture.
- Serve and enjoy!
Recipe adapted from American Heart Association: https://recipes.heart.org/en/recipes/apple-nachos
Pumpkin Pie Dip
Ingredients:
1 6 oz container low-fat vanilla yogurt
½- 1 teaspoons cinnamon (to taste)
¼ cup canned pumpkin
1 apple (sliced)
Directions
- Begin by washing hands. Mix yogurt, cinnamon and pumpkin in bowl.
- Wash and slice apple. Dip and enjoy!
Recipe adapted from: USDA What’s Cooking? Mixing Bowl https://whatscooking.fns.usda.gov/recipes/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program-snap/pumpkin-pudding
