About three years ago, I developed an addiction. Just as some people have withdrawals when they go without a cigarette or alcoholic beverage, the same thing happens to me when I go without this addiction of mine, and that is: every day I must eat one apple. Fuji or Cameo, Honeycrisps on occasion — you just can't go wrong with the tastiness of a big, juicy, crisp apple. It's now a tradition for me to every Saturday, attend the farmers market and pick out six perfectly red apples for each day of the week.
Over the years I've had to get a bit creative though because as you can imagine, eating a plain apple every day can get kind of boring and repetitive. I found that, surprisingly many things go well paired with apples and taste quite delicious. With that said, I wanted to share with you nine of my favorite snacks made with this yummy fruit that are quick, easy, and healthy!
1. Peanut butter and apples.
A classic, but one that never gets old. I personally prefer the crunchy version of Adam's Natural Peanut Butter, but any kind will work! This makes for a delicious light snack, packed with protein.
2. Greek yogurt and apples.
Slice up your apple and use your yogurt as a dip. I've found that more plain flavors like: vanilla, coconut vanilla, or banana cream taste best with this combination. If you're wanting something a little more filling, you can even add granola and make a parfait by cutting your apple up into miniature squares instead. Another tasty trick is to add one tablespoon of peanut butter for a thicker, more dense dip.
3. Cereal and apples.
I know it sounds weird, but before judging you have to try it! I usually take about four different types of cereal with a flavor like cinnamon or honey and mix them all together. I then cut up my apple into miniature squares and distribute them evenly throughout my bowl. As I'm sure regular milk is good, I recommend trying any brand of vanilla almond milk. This snack is more like a meal, and even tastes similar to a dessert...it is definitely one of my favorites.
4. Turkey sandwich and apples.
I like to think of this snack similar to Thanksgiving. Instead of cranberry with your turkey though, you have thin slices of apples wedged in with lettuce, cheese, and whatever else you prefer on your sandwich. This is a great way to spice up your traditional turkey sandwich and to try something new!
5. Oatmeal and apples.
Start your day off right with this tasty meal. Steel-cut oatmeal or instant, you can make what was once an old-fashioned breakfast, a new and improved one. Simply add two tablespoons of natural peanut butter, small squares of apple and dates or raisins.
6. Toasted PB and J and apples.
Lightly toast bread, cut your apple into thin slices and place them between the goodness of a classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
7. Salad and apples.
Apples make one of the best salad toppers. With a little bit of lemon juice, you can even mix the apples in without the fear of them turning brown. Adding diced up apples to your salad gives it just the right amount of sweetness and won't leave you disappointed.
8. Crackers, cheese and cinnamon and apples.
Talk about a great study snack. Try a Ritz cracker or any other kind for that matter, topped with cheese, an apple slice and a dash of cinnamon.
