RECIPE: Healthy Apple Pie Alternative 🍏
Written by: Vincent Pedre M.D. | April 5, 2024 | Time to read 4 min
As spring brings its bright days and a touch of warmth, it's the perfect time to enjoy the pleasures of our kitchens and the simple joy of homemade dishes. I would like to share with you a delightful dessert that's just as heartwarming as it is satisfying - a Nutty Apple Crumble that's easy to make!
Picture the tartness of Granny Smith apples, swathed in a gentle kiss of coconut sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg, all lovingly cradled in a blanket of crunchy, nutty goodness. Take a moment for yourself, to create something with love, to nourish not just your body but your spirit too. It's about the memories created around the dining table, the stories shared, and the laughter that echoes long after the plates are cleared.
Nutty Apple Crumble
Makes 6 servings
Contains nuts and dairy
Ingredients:
4–5 Granny Smith apples, cored and sliced into thin half-moons
2 tablespoons coconut sugar
1 teaspoon each of ground nutmeg and cinnamon
1 teaspoon lemon juice
3.8 ounces dry-roasted almonds
3.5 ounces hazelnuts
3.5 ounces pistachios
4 tablespoons unsalted grass-fed butter, cut into cubes
A pinch of Celtic sea salt to balance the sweetness
1 tablespoon honey
And a dollop of plain Greek or coconut yogurt to crown each serving
1 scoop NOURISH pea protein powder (optional)
Preparation
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease an 8-inch square baking dish.
2. In a bowl, toss the apples with the coconut sugar, nutmeg, cinnamon, and lemon juice until evenly coated.
3. Layer the apple slices in the prepared baking dish.
4. In a food processor, pulse the almonds, hazelnuts, and pistachios until roughly chopped, then remove one-quarter of the nut mixture and set aside.
5. Add the butter and salt to the nuts remaining in the food processor. Pulse until crumbly.
6. Sprinkle the butter-nut mixture over the apples, top with the reserved nuts, and drizzle with the honey.
7. Bake for 25 minutes, or until crispy on top. Add a dollop of yogurt on top and serve warm.
Pro Tip: In order to make the desert more gut-friendly and satiating, enhancing its protein content and nutritional value, you can add Nourish pea protein powder into the crumble topping or mix it with the yogurt serving:
You can blend a scoop of the protein powder with the nuts before adding the butter and salt for the crumble topping.
Alternatively, you could mix it into the Greek or coconut yogurt for a protein-packed dollop on top of each serving of the crumble. This way, you not only enhance the nutritional profile of your dish but also introduce an element that supports gut health and wellness.
Pea protein isolate is one of the most gut-friendly protein powders you can use. Most people tolerate pea protein quite well, especially when it is micronized for easier digestion. Not only that, but our NOURISH is made from organic non-GMO peas, known for their easy digestibility and comprehensive amino acid profile. Adding a scoop of this protein powder could enrich your crumble with additional health benefits, including muscle repair and energy support, without compromising the taste or texture of your dessert.
As you gather your ingredients and preheat your oven, remember that each piece of this Nutty Apple Crumble is a celebration of spring's renewal and the cherished moments we share with others.
Wishing you delightful spring evenings and hearts full of joy,
Dr. Vincent Pedre
Remember, the secret ingredient is always love. And a sprinkle of cinnamon.
