October 22: Almond & Sesame Apple Slices Snack

A few weekends ago I attended a fundraising event with my husband. I don’t usually agree to go to them because they can be dull, but when I heard this one was a tasting event, I was ALL OVER IT. 

There were all sorts of goodies to try: 

·     beers from local breweries (my favorite was the chocolate peanut butter beer which may sound gross but was DELISH)

·     spirits made with real honey (I tried the Bees Knees made with honey vodka)

·     a smorgasbord of desserts (omg, I had every dessert they offered!)  

o  apple turnover in phyllo

o  hazelnut toffee torte that dripped out the most ooey, gooey caramelly goodness you can imagine 

o  apple cider donut

o  2 types of shortbread

o  mocha mousse square

o  ice cream sandwich (with thin, crispy cookies and creamy vanilla ice cream!!!)

·     small bites galore

o  cool tomato soup shots with harissa

o  grilled cheese and chive sandwiches

o  bruschetta

o  sesame chicken

o  almond butter apples

Needless to say, I left there with a terrible stomachache because I exercised no self-control at all in the face of those delectables. But I also left there with a little inspiration.

One of the first snacks we tried had my husband raving. I quickly surveyed the thin, crispy apple slice I was holding and told him, “I can make these. No problem.” 

So I did. And so can you. 

Here’s how it came together. 

Almond & Sesame Apple Slices

Ingredients:

1 medium-large apple (any crisp variety is fine)

1 teaspoon sesame seeds

small handful sliced almonds 

almond butter 

(optional) 1 Tablespoon granola

(optional) salt, to taste

Directions:

1. Toast sliced almonds and sesame seeds in a pan over medium-low heat, stirring often. This shouldn’t take more than about 5-7 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they become lightly golden and fragrant. (Be careful and keep them moving in the pan, especially after the first couple minutes, because it’s easy to burn nuts and seeds. And trust me, you don’t want that taste on your apples!) Once toasted, transfer to a bowl to stop the cooking process and cool slightly until ready for use.

Raw

Lightly golden & fragrant

2. Thinly slice apple and lay slices on a tray or plate. 

Before

After

3. If using, stir granola into cooled almond-sesame mixture. 

4. Spread ½ - 1 teaspoon of almond butter on each apple slice and replace on the tray. You’re looking for a thin layer that serves as a tasty glue.

5. Once all the apples are buttered, sprinkle toasted almond & sesame mixture on top of each apple slice. Pro-Tip: I like to add a little salt just before serving. It contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the apple and enhances the flavor of the salt-free almond butter. 

6. Serve and enjoy!

This makes a great after-school snack, a fresh option for football-viewing (that’s when my husband ate his!), or even a healthy dessert. It’s made with simple, wholesome ingredients and, better still, comes together faster than you can recite all the foods I tried at the tasting event. 

**I have no affiliation or relationship with any of the brands mentioned or linked in this post. All opinions and experiences expressed herein are my own.**