Dried Apple Slices

Anyone else feel the need to hit the reset button in the midst of all this holiday eating? Thanksgiving isn't even here yet but somehow we've already started down the path of rich foods. Granted, I didn't do myself any favors by the food I chose to make for the blog this week ;) There's just something about cold days and clouds that make me want to bury myself under a blanket with dessert in hand.

While we are prepping for our first ice/snow/wintry mix of the year this weekend you'd never know it from the weather today. It's mid-60s and sunny. Absolutely gorgeous! I realized last winter that treating a day of unexpected warm weather like it's summer is good for mind and body. Take advantage of the warmth and grill your dinner instead of bake it, and sauté the sides instead of roasting. It gives me the mental boost of those early spring days when you just can't wait to get outside instead of that hibernating feel of early winter.

This is a perfect snack for a day like today. It takes the fall flavors, but they are so simplified that it almost evokes a spring day. Slice the apples really thinly and sprinkle with a little bit of cinnamon. It smells like Christmas, but it gives you that reset of a truly healthy snack in the midst of the holiday chaos.

After all, a moment of serenity in the midst of the holiday season is something to be savored. Tomorrow you'll be ready for early nights and cold temperatures.


Dried Apple Slices
adapted from Salt and Chocolate

Ingredients:
2-3 medium apples, cored and very thinly sliced (a mandolin would be best here)
1-2 teaspoons cinnamon

Slice your apples very thinly and spread out on a baking sheet. (3 smallish apples filled my half sheet pan completely). Sprinkle both sides with cinnamon.

Bake in a 200 degree oven for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, flipping halfway through. Let cool on the pan where they will finish crisping up. If you'd prefer them a bit softer, take them out at the 2 hour mark.