The Apple, Sweet Ingredient for the Holidays

the Fuji apple
the Fuji apple
Photo credit: 
Codi Bills


Thanksgiving is quickly approaching. This holiday brings the season of the apple. In fact, the Pilgrims brought the apple to the United States in 1620. Washington State is currently the top producing apple state in the country. There are dozens of different varieties of apples. Some common apples that can be found in the grocery store are the Gala, Golden Delicious, Fuji, and Granny Smith.

Apples give a sweet and tart addition to hundreds of baked treats that include apples as the main ingredient, especially recipes for the Thanksgiving holiday. Two of the most common apple recipes are: apple pie, and apple crisp. A non-traditional apple recipe, apple tart, is a delicious way to branch out of the ordinary.


Apple Tart


Crust:


1 Cup Flour


1/3 Cup Powdered Sugar


1/2 Cup cold Unsalted Butter, cut into small pieces


Filling:


1 Pkg. Cream Cheese, softened


1/4 Cup Sugar


1 large Egg


1/2 Tsp. Vanilla


Topping:


1/4 Cup Sugar


1/2 Tsp. Cinnamon


4 Cups Granny Smith Apples, peeled and cut into 1/4 inch slices


1/3 Cup sliced Almonds


Prepare the crust in a food processor by pulsing the flour and sugar together and then add butter. Pulse until dough forms. Pat the dough into the bottom and up the sides one inch of a greased spring form pan. Cover with plastic wrap and chill in the fridge while preparing the filling. Process the cream cheese until smooth then add the sugar and blend well. Add the egg and vanilla and blend. Pour into the prepared crust and place back into the fridge. Prepare the topping by combining the sugar and cinnamon. Toss the apples with the sugar mixture and spoon evenly over the cream cheese mixture and sprinkle with almonds. Place the pan on a cookie sheet and bake at 450 degrees for 30 minutes until golden brown and apples are soft. Place on a wire rack to cool. Sprinkle with powdered sugar and serve room temperature.


"An apple a day keeps the doctor away."


For more information, comments, questions, or to have your bakery business featured contact me.

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, Boise Bakery Examiner

Codi Bills is a native resident of Boise, ID. She has 3 boys and enjoys being a mother. In her spare time she bakes and cooks and loves to try new foods, especially baked goods. She was born with a sweet tooth! Codi has had the opportunity to travel and live in Argentina and also in the...

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