Maple Chopped Apples

Sometimes, the simplest desserts can also take form as snacks. All you need is a few ingredients, and some chia seeds, and that simple dessert can double as a serving of fruit. When I first made this, it was after I’d been exploring using apples as a base for many different toppings. First, it was honey and vanilla. Then, it was this bout of crunch, along with sweetness from maple syrup, that allowed my love for them to grow. It’s amazing what you can do with apples, and simple enough that as long as you know what apples taste good with, you can create dessert after dessert after dessert that is healthy enough to say, “Wow, I’m hungry. Let’s have a snack.” Killing two birds with one stone? Yes, please! Those birds are hungry!

Ingredients:

1 large apple

1/8 cup Grade A maple syrup

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

Pinch iodized salt

2 tablespoons chia seeds

Directions:

Add maple syrup and sliced unsalted butter into mug. Microwave for a minute. Take out. Stir until butter if fully melted. Add cinnamon and salt. Whisk with fork until fully combined.

Chop and core the apple. Drizzle on maple mixture with a spoon, as much as you like. Whatever is leftover, you can use for waffles or for later. Sprinkle on the chia seeds.

Consume immediately.

Serving suggestion: Chamomile tea, hot chocolate, or apple cider.