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I hope you are all enjoying a peaceful and fulfilling holiday season in whatever fashion suits you best.
If you are anything like us, I suspect that you have been amply fed this past month (or so) and may be looking to shift gears from the heavier hitting sweets and treats to something a little lighter.
I find dark chocolate (75% cocoa or more) especially effective at satisfying sugar cravings while not feeding the bottomless pit of desire fueled by milk chocolate (the kind of sugar that hijacks our brains’ neural circuits and keeps us locked in to old habits). If you’re looking for an exit strategy to slowly come down from the sugar high and the treadmill of addiction that surrounds it, this dessert idea offers a kind and gentle descent.
Fun and festive, these little apple wedges are not only full of flavor and satisfying texture, they also pack some wonderful antioxidants and nutrients. Light, crunchy and super tasty, they make a perfect addition to any new year’s table (and are rather pretty too, don’t you think?). They are also a great project for small hands and completely adaptable to taste preferences.
Be sure to read the Nutrition and Cooking Notes for options, explanations and ideas.
I hope you have fun with these, any time of year!
Chocolate dipped Apple Wedges with Cinnamon toasted Oatmeal and Pecan
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4 apples of choice, or any fruit as desired
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1/2 tsp cinnamon, or any combination of spices as desired
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4 Tbsp oatmeal (100% pure rolled oats), or other flaked grain/cereal as desired
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4 Tbsp chopped pecans, or other nut/seed as desired
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4 ounces (115 grams) dark chocolate (75% cocoa or more)
Nutrition & Cooking Notes:
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Antioxidants – dark chocolate is rich in flavonoids, a phytochemical with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-clotting properties. Research suggests that flavonoids may help protect our hearts by lowering blood pressure and reducing LDL cholesterol levels.
- Cocoa Content – the higher the percentage of cocoa you use, the less sugar it will contain. Fruit helps deliver natural sweetness to this dessert but you can further enhance the flavor by adding spices and natural essence to the chocolate as described below.
- Fruit & Toppings – you can use up any fruit you happen to have on hand for this casual spin on fondue — some of our favorites include: clementine, banana, apple, pear, grapes and berries. You can also play around with the toppings/sprinkles including nuts/seeds, puffed or flaked cereal grains such as: oatmeal, rice, quinoa, buckwheat, kamut, barley, etc.
- Natural Flavor Enhancers — Fruit delivers significant natural sweetness but you can further enhance flavor without adding sugar by using spices and natural essences. The cinnamon really comes through nicely with the apple here but you can play around with whatever seasonings work best for you – anise, clove, nutmeg, cardamom, ginger, citrus zest, etc. You can also vary the base of the chocolate by adding natural essence of peppermint or vanilla to create new and fresh taste sensations.
- Nut/Seed and Non-Nut Butters — If chocolate is not your thing, consider dredging the fruit pieces through nut, seed or non-nut butters such as pea or soy. This is another great way to amplify taste and nutrition while delivering a great snack option as well.
Directions:
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It is best to cut/chop the fruit that oxidizes (browns) quickly right before serving — such as banana, apples and pear. While the chocolate is melting, you can use citrus to delay the onset of oxidization (described below) prior to serving.
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Wash and chop apples into 8 wedges each. While the chocolate is melting, I recommend soaking the apple wedges in a bowl of lemon water (simply squeeze some fresh lemon juice into a couple cups of water) and store in the fridge. Lemon delays oxidization (the inevitable browning that occurs once you cut an apple).
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In a small dry skillet set to low-medium heat, toast oatmeal for a couple minutes until it begins to heat. Add cinnamon (and/or other spices as desired) and stir to combine until fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.
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Meanwhile, place chocolate in a small sturdy pot on the stove over lowest heat taking care to avoid all contact with water. Allow chocolate to melt watching carefully, and stirring to assist.
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Once chocolate has melted, remove from heat and add natural essence of peppermint or vanilla, if using.
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Remove apple wedges from lemon water and pat them dry.
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While the chocolate is still warm, carefully dip the dry apple wedges (or other fruit) one at a time into the chocolate, coating a portion of them in melted chocolate.
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Place the chocolate dipped apple wedges on a plate or tray and while the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle with chopped pecans, cinnamon toasted oatmeal or other toppings of choice.
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Enjoy!
Ok, first of all that is the most perfect green apple I’ve ever seen! And secondly, this is such a fantastic recipe. I picture myself eating these in the late afternoon when that inevitable food craving strikes. I agree with you, and find that dark chocolate does the trick. I’m currently snacking on dark chocolate bark with roasted (salted) almonds… xx
Chocolate dipped fruit is my favorite thing! What a great way to indulge in dessert while still getting some nutrition. And what a great idea to add that crunch. I ate a little too much this holiday season and am definitely ready to recharge with some healthier foods ;)
I definitely need to re-start my healthy habits after these past few weeks. Apples and chocolate are right up my alley. Hope you have a very happy New Year! Catch you in 2014 :)
They are absolutely gorgeous, Kelly! And I love how simple and full of flavour and texture these treats are! I just wonder how I can sneak them into my menu for new year? JT is adamant not to have too much! I wish you and your family the best for 2014!
XOXO Eva http://kitcheninspirations.wordpress.com
Sweets can be very delicious yet healthy too! Love those apple wedges.
Kelly, I wish you and yours a blessed and wonderful New Year!
Angie
My look alike daughter has similar tastes. She wanted to make caramel apples the other day. I think I shall just have to show her this lovely recipe, I definitely need to shift away from the sugar highs of December, lol! I hope you have the most wonderful New Year, Kelly!
What a delicious way to come down from the sugar/junk high! These look so lovely, and I know that they must taste good too! You can’t go wrong with a crisp apple and dark chocolate! Thank you for sharing!
What a great snack (or dessert)! We definitely have been amply fed this month (and last). Hope you had a wonderful holiday!
Kelly, these apple wedges look almost unreal. They remind me of these artificial dishes in Japanese restaurant’s windows… They look so appetising and beautiful, you are shocked to discover they are fake.
Guess what I keep on snacking on for the last week! Prunes in chocolate of course! I still have a small jar in the fridge. These apples are in the same “guiltless but utterly delicious” sweet treats group, but so much lighter than prunes. Obviously you went much much further here! I love the nuts, oatmeal and cinnamon addition. You will never cease to surprise me! I don’t have a single apple at home now (I have started my mandarin frenzy…) but I will buy soon and test your extraordinary recipe.
Happy New Year, Kelly!
Well leave it to you to make an apple wedge look like a piece of art Kelly! Seriously, gorgeous. I had to laugh about the sugar addiction (the kind and gentle descent) — you are so right! That’s exactly how I feel this time of year, a slave to sugar and desperately needing some ideas to break the loop. I cannot imagine a more beautiful and delicious way to do it :). You’re awesome.
looks so delicious and healthy!! :)