Another way to love on apples

My friend and co-author (for Whole Living Journal) Mary Ann Barnes, MD, contributed this rustic but delicious treat, which is also a snap to put together.
Mary Ann and I have been writing a column for the magazine -- called "The Healthy Foodie," big surprise! -- since 2005. Mary Ann also contributes to a website by that name; click here to read what she is up to.

This recipe that uses in-season apples and just-about-out-of-season blueberries will make your house smell marvelous as it bakes.

RECIPE:  Apple, Blueberry and Walnut Tarts

Serves 8

Ingredients and supplies:

2 pre-made pie crusts

Parchment paper

3 baking apples (such as Jonathan), cored and cut into large chunks

2 tablespoons lemon juice.  

1 cup frozen or fresh blueberries

2/3 cup chopped walnuts

1/3 cup natural sugar

3 tablespoons whole wheat flour

1 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Cut parchment paper into 8 5-inch squares.

Roll each pie crust into a 12-inch square.  Cut each pie crust into quarters, about 6-inch squares.  Place one piece of pie crust onto a piece of parchment paper.  Press into a cup in a cupcake pan, molding pie crust onto the side, but keeping parchment paper from folding into dough.  Repeat until all eight cups are molded.

In a medium bowl, toss apple pieces with lemon juice.  Combine remaining ingredients and toss lightly to coat.  Divide apple mixture into each cup.  Fold dough down over apple mixture and sprinkle lightly with a pinch of natural sugar.

Bake for 35 – 40 minutes, or until crust is lightly brown.  Serving suggestion: top with Greek yogurt.  

It's Apple Time -- Involve the Family!

One of the compensations for the end of summer is the fall apple season. The new crop of crispy, sweet, healthy treats is ready for enjoyment. But there are lots of ways to appreciate and celebrate apples in addition to buying a bag at the supermarket or farm stand.

How about a weekend drive into the countryside for apple picking? A Sunday afternoon powwow in the kitchen, making applesauce with the kids? Or whip up a batch of caramel apples to offer at your next party.
A reader sent a link to this article, "10 Family-Friendly Apple Themed Ideas," which includes those I just mentioned along with several others.
While we're at it, here's an easy recipe for one of my favorite apple treats.

RECIPE: Apple Crisp
Serves 6-8

Ingredients:
5-6 cups cored and sliced apples (I peel mine for this recipe, but leave the peels on if you prefer)
2 T flour
2 T sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Dash of salt
For the topping:
1 1/2 cups uncooked oats
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
1/3 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
1/2 cup melted butter or margarine

Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Lightly oil an 8x8-inch baking dish.
In a large bowl, toss apples with flour, sugar, cinnamon and salt. Spoon apples evenly into prepared baking dish.
In a smaller bowl, mix oats, sugar and walnuts, then stir in butter or margarine. Mixture should be crumbly. Sprinkle mixture evenly over apples and place in oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until topping has browned and apples are bubbly.
Let cool to room temperature. Serve with frozen yogurt or ice cream, if desired.

Apple Crisp