A Quick Fall Recipe

This is one of my most favorite times of the year. I especially enjoy watching the leaves change colors. Even the air has a different scent. The breezes charge the atmosphere with a new energy. These changes should alert us that it is now time to tweak our menus.

We should be aware that our bodies are in the midst of these seasonal changes, so we should eat accordingly. Along with a list of other fruits and vegetables, this is the best time of year to try different apples, pears, butternut and acorn squash. These produce are versatile and offer lots of flavor. Squash can be used in soups, stews, steamed or sauteed.

Try eating fruit in its raw form, but you can also lightly cook and season with cinnamon, pure maple syrup or agave. Here is a quick breakfast recipe that most adults and children will enjoy:
 
Elizabeth's Cinnamon Apples
1 to 2 Organic Red Apples (Fiji, Gala or your favorite variety)
1 Teaspoon of Cinnamon
2 Teaspoons of Pure Maple Syrup or Agave
1 Teaspoon of Butter or Earth Balance spread
Pinch of Nutmeg (optional)

Wash apples under running water for at least 20 seconds. It is good to use a natural citrus fruit and vegetable spray when washing fruit. The spray will help to rid the fruit of any pesticides and other germs. Slice apples in half and remove the core, along with the seeds. Do not peel. Then, take the slices and cut into one inch pieces or larger. Using a small pot, place over medium heat and add about 1 tablespoon of water, then the apples. Cover until the water and apples come to a light boil. Immediately turn the heat down to low. Add all other ingredients and lightly stir. I prefer to use maple syrup because of its mineral content and rich flavor. Avoid white sugar whenever possible. White sugar is very toxic to the body. Try raw or turbinado sugar, which still have some mineral content. White sugar has been bleached and striped of its natural minerals. Remove the pot and serve the apples warm. Also, try a pinch of nutmeg. This quick dish adds a warm comforting scent to the kitchen.

Preparation time: Less than five minutes
Cook Time:  Less than five minutes
Do not overcook apples. Apples should maintain a crunch, which means that many of the nutrients will remain intact.

Please let me know if you enjoy this simple recipe. It provides fiber, nutrients and lots of flavor. Email me at debrapeekhaynes@yahoo.com.