Tag Archives: apples

How do you like them apples?

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Actually, I like them a lot.

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Hello, Bellevue QFC

 

I am pretty much a creature of habit and for the last few years, on Tuesday mornings I get off the bus in Bellevue one stop early and walk to the QFC to pick up some snacks for work. The snacks are: 4 apples. 4 – 5 Larabars or Kind Bars. Sometimes a carton or two of yogurt. Sometimes Figs. Sometimes string cheese. The apples are pretty much the staple. I’ve tried other fruits or vegetables but either they don’t fill me up like I want to be filled up, or I forget or have no desire to eat snow peas and they go bad, etc. So, apples it is.

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Here’s a tip: Shop at 7:30 on a Tuesday morning and you’ll be one of the only customers in the store.

For months they were always Fuji. Then I started doing Honeycrisp. A couple of weeks ago I tried this one, Junami and was like WOW. But then I went back and they were gone. And then I went back again this past week and they were there, so I picked them up but they weren’t as good as the first time. Don’t you hate that?

Anyway, this post is supposed to be about apples. About how, when I was growing up, it seemed like there were only a few kinds of apples. Red or Golden Delicious (which, let’s be honest, really weren’t all that delicious). Macintosh. Granny Smith (which if you bought by accident was too bad because they were too tart and supposed to only be for baking pies but that’s not necessarily something a Chinese family knows until the oldest daughter takes 7th grade Home Economics). Maybe there were others, but I do not remember what they were.

These days, the kid enjoys Opal. The husband, Honeycrisp (though he branches out and gets a Gala or Pinks Crisp every now and again). I’m partial to Fuji and Honeycrisp, but boy would I like to find another tasty Junami again.

So, tell me. Was it just a childhood memory that we had far fewer types of apples in little ol’ Connecticut? Did my parents not offer me the choice? Was it the same growing up in Washington? Or is something new, and indeed it has been a change over the past few decades that allows the consumer to try a different apple every week?

What’s your favorite?

Slow Cooker Paleo Apple Crisp (take two)

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I attempted a paleo apple dessert in the slow cooker again and am much happier with these results. Here was my previous attempt.

paleo apple crisp done in the slow cooker

paleo apple crisp done in the slow cooker

Apple Filling

  • 3 large apples (I used Granny Smith), peeled and sliced
  • 1/4 c unsweetened coconut, shredded
  • 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1-2 tbsp raw honey

Topping:

  • 3 medjool dates, pitted
  • 1/4 c unsweetened coconut, shredded
  • 1/2 c walnuts, chopped
  • 1/4 c almond flour
  • 1 tbsp. raw honey
  • More cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice, adjusted to your preference
  • boiling water (to soften dates)

Place pitted dates in a small bowl or ramekin and pour enough boiling water to cover them. Let them sit for at least 5 minutes. Meanwhile, peel and slice the apples, creating even slices of about 1/2 inch thick. Toss apples into the greased slow cooker (I used cooking spray). Combine the rest of the filling ingredients into the SC, adjusting spices and sweetener to your preferences and stir until it is well combined.

Drain the water from the dates and use a fork to mash the dates and create a smooth paste. Combine all topping ingredients in a small bowl and mix until very well combined, then spread evenly over apples.

Set the SC on low for 5 hours. At 5 hours remove the lid and continue on low for another 15-30 minutes. Serve warm!

Or not!

I removed the lid as we sat down for dinner (a delicious repeat of this dish), and by “dessert time” everything seemed set. The apples were soft and the dates provided a dried fruit/sweeter experience. I bet it tastes great with ice cream, or perhaps some coconut milk sprinkled on top.

Kiddo didn’t care for it this time (though she’s been spoiled with birthday desserts this week, including strawberry shortcake and homemade tootsie rolls from a friend’s party today).

I enjoyed it as is. Had two helpings, I did.

 

Apple & Almond

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fresh apple almond tart via chattycha on flickr

I have other tasty dinner photos to display, like chicken stir fry, or pork chops, however this is the most fun and a new one. I was looking for my occasional splurge at MM, specifically a red velvet cupcake. However apparently the market didn’t have any cupcakes so instead I settled on this delightful-looking tart.

Fresh Apple and Almond. The apples with a sweet glaze is remisnicent of apple pie, though the buttery almond crust gives this dessert an upper-class attitude. I’m impressed. Since the husband is banning desserts like these I enjoyed my half one night and what would have been his half the next day. Mmmmm…