Apples in a Bag

Apples in a Bag

Many hugs and thanks to all of you who left notes of condolence regarding my dad.  I will never forget them.  But I can’t be crying every time I open my blog so I’m in a hurry to get that post off the top page.

What crazy thing do you eat when you crave something sweet but there are no obvious desserts in the house? One of my sisters confessed to eating dry cake mix (a long time ago is all she would admit). Chocolate chips are my desperation sweet–even better when carefully balanced on top of a graham cracker but I don’t always have those in the house.

One evening last week when my sister and I got home from sitting with my father, we wanted a sweet something and there was nothing but raw cookie dough in the freezer. That’s OK in a pinch but I really wanted something warm.

Homemade "Apple Bueno"

Then I remembered a tip I recently picked up from my new co-worker, Christa (an answered prayer in the flesh, incidentally). She told me about microwaving a sliced apple to use as a quick addition to oatmeal or ice cream. It sounded like the perfect topping for cinnamon chips similar to the Apple Buenos we used to enjoy at Taco Bueno on Sunday nights after church.  I tried it and was instantly smitten. I predict you’ll feel the same.

6 reasons why you should try Apples in a Bag:

1. Near-instant gratification–cooks in two minutes.
2. Mix and nuke in a disposable plastic bag for quick clean-up.  Or make it in a covered microwave-safe bowl.
3. It’s versatile. Substitute pears for apples or change up the spices.
4. After making it one time, you won’t need a recipe–it’s that easy.
5. Because it only makes one serving (unless you use a huge apple), there are no leftovers to call your name.
6. The perfect snack/dessert when you must have a sweet but the pantry is empty.  Low in calories. See nutritionals below.

Apples in a Bag

Ingredients:
1 small apple (Golden Delicious or Granny Smith are my favorite)
1 packet of sweetener (Splenda is my favorite), or a spoonful of sugar
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon water
Small handful of raisins, optional

Directions:
First: Peel or don’t peel apple, core and slice or dice. Place in freezer-quality plastic zippered bag along with remaining ingredients. Seal bag and shake well to mix ingredients.

Second: Reopen bag just a touch to vent. Microwave on High for 2 minutes– longer if you use a big apple.

Third: Carefully (it will be HOT and steamy) open bag and pour over plain or cinnamon-sugar pita chips, flour tortilla chips, oatmeal or ice cream.

Nutritionals
(Based on no raisins, unpeeled apples and artificial sweetener)
Serving Size 123 g
Calories 59
Total Fat 0.2g
Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 0mg
Sodium 2mg
Total Carbohydrates 16.7g
Dietary Fiber 2.9g
Sugars 11.0 g
Protein 0.3g

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