An apple a day really does keep the doctor away. Packed with soluble fibre, potassium and vitamin C, nature’s snack can be transformed into a delicious dessert for a mid-week treat.
Boasting great health benefits and readily available at your local fruit shop or supermarket, apples are ideal for a guilt-free dessert. Load up the basket and follow these easy (yet delicious) recipes.
Benefits of apples
Not only are apples believed to help protect post-menopausal women from osteoporosis, but they’re also said to help lower cholesterol and assist in weight loss. A study at Cornell University has also pointed to their cancer-fighting abilities. Rats that ate an apple a day reduced their risk of breast cancer by 17 percent, while those that ate three a day reduced their risk by 39 percent and those that ate six a day reduced their risk by 44 percent. Definitely some food for thought!
Apple and berry crumble
Serves 6
A hot apple crumble fresh out of the oven is perfect for a chilly autumn day. Serve with ice-cream, cream or custard and eat while warm.
Ingredients:
- 6 golden delicious apples, peeled, cored and cut into eight wedges
- 1 ½ tablespoons caster sugar
- 1 cup flour
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 100 grams butter, chilled and diced
- 200 grams mixed berries
- ¼ cup flaked almonds
Method:
- Preheat the oven to 180 degrees C.
- Place the apple pieces in a pan with a small amount of water and the caster sugar. Cook until the fruit is tender.
- Meanwhile combine the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon and butter.
- Throw the cooked apples and the berries in a greased baking dish and cover with the crumble mixture. Sprinkle the flaked almonds on top.
- Bake in the oven for about half an hour or until the top of the crumble is golden brown.
Baked apples with sultanas
Serves 4
This dessert is so healthy you can keep going back for more. Baked apples are also great the next morning — if you can manage to save one from the feasters! Serve warm with a dollop of cream or yoghurt.
Ingredients:
- 4 large apples
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup sultanas
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon butter
Method:
- Wash and core the apples, then score the top and make a slit around the middle of the apple with a knife.
- Place all of them in a large, shallow baking dish.
- Combine the sugar, sultanas, cinnamon, nutmeg and sugar in a small bowl.
- Stuff the middle of each apple (where the core has been removed) with the sugar and nutmeg mixture. Add ½ teaspoon of butter to the top of each one.
- Add just enough water to cover the bottom of the baking dish and put in the oven.
- Bake, uncovered, for about half an hour, or until apples are tender. Baste with juices every now and then if you need to.
Apple and cinnamon yoghurt
Serves 4
DIY your own yoghurt mixture in just a few simple steps. Delicious and healthy!
Ingredients:
- 4 apples, peeled and diced
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 500g plain yoghurt
Method:
- Place the apples, sugar, cinnamon and a few teaspoons of water into a large pot and simmer over a low heat for a few minutes or until the fruit is tender.
- Remove from heat and spoon a little of the apple mixture into the bottom of a glass bowl or cup. Dollop yoghurt over the top and serve immediately.
Summer desserts
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How to make a mouth-watering watermelon margarita
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