These baked apple crisp rings made with almond meal are a healthier version of the classic dessert. Top with vanilla ice cream for a delicious treat.
Being on the road for the past few days has really made me disturbingly aware of how much I keep myself in a bubble when I’m at home. We have no cable and my internet awareness is whatever I read on twitter, facebook or blogs, all content that I control by the people I choose to follow. God, that makes me sound lame.
There are many things I like about fall.
In fact, my decision to move back north when we lived in Florida was about 95% due to me *thinking* I missed the change in seasons, apple cider donuts and pumpkin picking in a real patch while not 90 degrees outside.
However, there are two major downfalls of the season.
Football and politics.
For my thoughts on football, see this post on edamame dip – it’s a little intense.
My thoughts on politics? Glad you asked.
Short story…I cannot stand them. Or at least what they’ve become in this country.
Longer story…The hoopla, and yes, that’s an appropriate word because nothing concrete ever actually gets discussed, drives me nuts.
We turn conventions into freakin’ spectacles where news reporters comment on the dress of the first lady or other stupid trivial things rather than actual issues, we listen to politician after politician say absolutely nothing of substance and instead deliver 1 liners that will bring the already incredibly biased audience in attendance to their feet, clapping every other minute so we can pause, wait for the ruckus to die down and then listen to the next 1 liner and we listen to commercials that attack the opposite party about their past and marital relations rather than state what they actually stand for.
It.is.ridiculous.
My parents think because of my lack of interest in all this I’m a naïve, liberal (I’m not liberal, but they’re about as Fox News slanted as it gets) youngin’ that is living in some blogging la-la land.
Part of that may be true at times, but naïve I am not.
In truth, I honestly just think this country is so far broken in many of it’s policies and “systems” that it’s beyond fixing. Well let me rephrase that, it’s beyond fixing because the way our electoral system is set up, the American public will never elect a person who is capable of actually making real change.
I do believe those people exist, they just don’t make it on the ticket and even if they did, I don’t believe we have the balls to “hire” them for 4 years. We’re a country that wants everything and yet for the most part, aren’t willing to put in the effort or sacrifice anything so change will never actually happen.
So when I’m forced to listen to and watch pathetically shallow recaps of the democratic convention while eating breakfast at the hotel, getting coffee in line at Starbucks and even when discussing deferred maintenance on a college campus, it makes me want to scream and go back to my bubble.
A bubble that happily includes apple crisp rings.
Because to me, that’s way more interesting and attention worthy than critiquing Michelle Obama’s attire or speculating on why Bill & Hillary are still married.
Baked Almond Apple Crisp Rings
Ingredients
- 1 large apple, cored and sliced into rings
- 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil
- 1/2 cup almond meal
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- vanilla ice cream & maple syrup for topping, optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top.
- Pour coconut oil into small shallow dish.
- Mix almond meal, cinnamon and nutmeg together in another shallow dish.
- Coat each apple slice in the coconut oil then dip in the almond meal mixture on both sides. Place on wire rack on top of baking sheet.
- Repeat with remaining apple slices.
- Bake for 5-7 minutes then carefully flip each slice and bake for another 5-7 minutes.
- Turn oven to hi-broil and finish baking for an additional 3-5 minutes with the door slightly ajar.
- Stack on a plate and enjoy warm topped with vanilla ice cream and maple syrup if desired.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.
I like your bubble way better than any political “hoopla” out there. I am so with you on this issue. On another note, the apple rings look divine! Since I am starting the Paleo diet on Sunday, these will probably be my new favorite dessert!
Holy crap, how are you in my head?! We literally have the EXACT same view on politics, down to the loathing of fashion commentary. Wow.
But, um, I like football. Can we still be friends?
Gina, these look awesome!! I made a quick apple crisp the other day, but I bet these would taste even better.
Gina – First and foremost…thank you everyday for the awesome sarcasm and honesty that you impart in your blog on a daily basis! I love it when people are real and upfront about what they believe in. AND, for the wonderful and most delicious recipes too! :)
I’m going to make these apple rings today for a snack, although it is still summer in my mind.
Btw, I loathe football and politics for all the same reason’s that you do, + a few more.
Keep up the great work
This is such a great idea! I’m obsessed with the apple almond combo and can’t wait to try this!
At first glance I though that was a giant stack of doughnuts! Apple rings are brilliant, and way more realistic as a breakfast in stack form.
Amen sister.
Your apple Crisp Rings look delish! I love the fall for the same reasons you do. I too live in a bubble! I don’t care for politics because personally I don’t think it matters, it’s just a popularity contest, who can give the best speeches. Now I’d rather here speeches about fall leaves, comfort food and yes even a little bit of football. Have a great weekend!!
Ahhh politics. I’ve unfriended people on Facebook over their extreme views and constant political babble lol. Mmmmm apples
Those look INCREDIBLE! Apple picking season is HERE!