An Apple a Day...or a Couple Dozen!

No one wants to read an essay before getting to the recipe, so here's the short and sweet version of it...

Apple Orchard Trip + Decision to Purchase a Peck of Apples + Realization that I needed to DO something with those apples + Desire to create items that I can use & freeze extra for meal preps = Result Below.

Apple Cinnamon Muffins + Apple Pecan Crumble + Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats + Applesauce

All gluten & dairy free, and DELICIOUS.

Here's how to make your own:

Almond Flour Apple Muffins (GF, DF)

Ingredients:
-2 cups almond flour
-1/2 tsp baking soda
-1/8 tsp sea salt
-2 tsp cinnamon
-1 large apple (grated)
-1 tbs lemon juice
-3 eggs
-1/4 c honey
​-2 tbs coconut oil

Directions:
-Preheat oven to 350 degrees
-Grease muffin pan or use muffin cup liners
-Combine all dry ingredients in a large bowl
-Add grated apple and lemon juice
-Stir well to mix
-Scoop batter into muffin cups
​-Bake for 20-25 minutes or until toothpick inserted into center comes out clean

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Apple Pecan Crumble (GF, DF, Vegan)

Ingredients:
Apple Base
-7-10 apples based on size
-1/4 c apple cider
-1 tbs maple syrup
- 1.5 tbs lemon juice
- 1/8 tsp sea salt
- 3 tbs coconut oil

Pecan Crumble Topping
- 1.5 c almond flour
- 3/4 c chopped pecans
- 1/3 c coconut sugar (can use maple syrup as an alternative)
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 6 tbs coconut oil, melted

Directions:
Apple Base
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees
-Peel and cut apples based on your preference for size (I did bite-sized pieces)
- Place apples in large bowl and add apple cider, maple syrup, lemon juice, salt and mix well.
- Line a 9x9 baking dish (my apples were large and I ended up also using another small pan for extras) with coconut oil or parchment paper for easy clean up.
- Dot the apples with little bits of coconut oil on top (I did all 4 corners plus 2 in the middle).
- Bake the apples 30-35 minutes
​
Pecan Crumble Topping
-While apples are baking, mix almond flour, pecans, coconut sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a bowl.
-Add melted coconut oil and mix well.
-When the apples are initially done baking, add this crumble mixture to the top of the apples.
-Return to the oven and bake an additional 30-40 minutes (or until apples are bubbling).
-Let it cool (at least 10-15 minutes) for juices to absorb back into apples.

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Instant Pot Applesauce (GF, DF, Vegan)

Ingredients:
- 7-10 apples (or honestly, however many you have! Just adjust the water and cinnamon accordingly)
- 1/2 c filtered water
- 1-2 tbs cinnamon (or to taste)
​- 2 tsp lemon juice (optional)

Directions:
- Peel and chop apples, and place into Instant Pot.
- Add water, lemon juice, and cinnamon.
- Place lid and set Instant Pot to "Pressure Cook" for 10 minutes.
- Once done and the Instant Pot has depressurized, use an immersion blender (or a hand mixer) to blend the apples into your desired consistency.
- That's it! So easy!

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Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats (GF, DF, Vegan)

Ingredients (per individual serving):
- 1/4 c organic rolled oats
- 2 tsp organic chia seeds
- 1/2 tsp maple syrup
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp cinnamon (or to taste)
- 1/4 to 1/2 chopped apple
- 3/4 - 1 c nondairy milk of choice

Directions:
- Place all dry ingredients in your individual serving containers.
- Add wet ingredients (maple syrup, vanilla extract
- Add nondairy milk and fill container 3/4 to the top
- Mix all ingredients together well
- Add chopped apples until the container is full.
- Top with additional cinnamon if desired.
​- Cover and store at least 2 hours or overnight before serving.

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Which of these are you most excited to try? Let me know in the comments!