An apple a day keeps the ailments at bay

  

• Low in calories, contains no saturated fat or cholesterol
• High source of dietary fibre, promoting a healthy digestive tract
• Contains numerous minerals, Vitamin C, B-Complex Vitamins and Beta Carotene
• Rich in antioxidants, protecting your body from free radicals
• "Green" - the waste is 100% biodegradable

Red, green or yellow, apples are an instant snack choice in my home.  Served sliced (with white cheddar cheese, yum!) or whole, they make a great snack any time of day.

For eating raw, I buy apples with tender skin.  My favourites are Royal Gala, McIntosh, Spartan, Cortland and Mutsu (we call these 'sharing apples' because they are usually huge in size).  I purposely buy smaller apples for school snacks.  When in season, I always buy Ontario grown apples.

One of my favourite things about apples would have to be APPLE PICKING!  It's so much fun to take the kids to our local apple farm, take a wagon ride through the orchard, and teach them how to pick the perfect apple.  Getting fresh air and exercise while picking our own food is the perfect way for any family to spend an autumn weekend together.  I also love the idea of supporting a local family farm.

Apple pie muffins are a perfect school snack.  They also make a great breakfast on-the-go.

Apple Pie Muffins

Ingredients:

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

1 egg

1 cup buttermilk

1/2 cup butter, melted

1 tsp vanilla

2 cups diced peeled apples

Topping:

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1/3 cup all-purpose flour

1 tsp cinnamon

2 tbsp butter, melted

1. In a small bowl, stir together brown sugar, flour and cinnamon. Drizzle with butter, tossing with fork. Set aside. 
2. In large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking soda and salt. Whisk together egg, buttermilk, butter and vanilla; pour over dry ingredients. Sprinkle with apples; stir just until dry ingredients are moistened. 
3. Spoon into large paper-lined muffin cups; sprinkle with topping. Bake at 350 F for about 25 minutes or until tops are firm to the touch. Makes 12 muffins.

Stay tuned for more wholesome, delicious apple recipes!


Click here for a printable version of this recipe!