Apple Nachos {Baking with Kids}

It's Apple Season!  Yayyyyyy!

There are a thousand and one ways to prepare and enjoy apples this time of year. Apple pie, Apple Crisp, Apple Bread, Apple Muffins....

...and Apple Nachos.

HECK YES. I went there.

Last Fall, there were some pictures floating around the awesomeness that is Pinterest, one of something described as Apple Nachos. It was one of those photos that didn't link anywhere - just the picture. Which sometimes kind of annoys me. 

Because YAY for the idea of Apple Nachos!

But BOO for no recipe.

Then I thought, "Steph. Look at the picture. Could it really be that complicated?"

And I then I thought to myself, "Self? Nope."

So one chilly Autumn night when the kids were in bed and Hubby was out and about, I decided to treat myself to a sweet treat. We were out of Ice Cream. No cake mix. No brownies. But ah!  We had apples. 

And the rest is history.

Essentially, Apple Nachos are apple wedges sliced thin (think tortilla chips) topped with just about any kind of sweet condiment you can imagine. I like it because while it does appeal to my sweet tooth, it's easy to make it generally healthy. The Nachos I made today with Chica are really nothing more than a PB&N Sandwich (Peanut Butter and Nutella), swapping the bread for apples. 

It's practically health food, people.

Apple Nachos are also really easy to throw together, so kids can participate in the preparation (as well as give input on the toppings).  And since I ultimately decide how they are prepared, I can have them lean toward the healthy side, so I don't feel bad about serving them as dessert to the girls.

Here is our Apple Nacho event from today. We used apples that Chica picked with my in-laws last weekend from an awesome local orchard. Recipe follows!

First, slice the apples into wedges. This is a GROWN-UP task - no small hands please!

Then slice those yummy wedges into small-as-you-can-make-'em smaller wedges.

See how thin?

Then take these 2 beautiful substances and heat them in the microwave or stovetop until thin and runny.   

With a spoon, drizzle the heated peanut butter over the apple slices. Repeat with the Nutella.

If you are using nuts, chop them up and sprinkle over the apples. Chica was really excited to help with this part.

BAM. Apple Nachos.

Chica enjoyed them!  (Check out her Phillies shirt. My girl is heading with Hubby to her first Phillies game tonight. GO PHILS!)

Ok. I ::might:: have tried a bite or two. And I totally hated every second of it.  True story. All except the hating it part.

The only drawback? MESSY AFTERMATH!

Now here's the recipe:

• 1 medium-large apple {or} 2 small apples
• 1 TBS Peanut Butter
• 1 TBS Nutella
• (Optional) 1/4 cup of chopped nuts (I used sliced almonds, but pecans and walnuts are also tasty)

Topping Ideas (use 1 or 2 or all of them if you're throwing caution to the wind!):

• 1 TBS of caramel sauce
• 1/4 cup of chocolate chip morsels
• 1/4 cup of craisins or raisins
• 1/4 cup of crushed Oreo cookies
• 1/4 cup of mini Marshmellows
• 1/4 cup of shredded coconut

1) Slice apple into wedges
2) Slice each wedge into thin wedges (see pictures above)
3) Spread apple wedges out on a serving plate
4) Place peanut butter into a microwave safe bowl and heat for 30 seconds, until thin and runny.  Drizzle over apple wedges.  Repeat with Nutella. (You can also heat on the stovetop).
5) Top with nuts and any additional toppings you desire. 
6) EAT 'EM UP! 

~~~~~

Are you so hungry now? Get thee to the grocery store, orchard or Farmer's Market for apples and treat yourself to a yummy Autumn dessert tonight!

I'd love to hear about your Apple Nacho creations!  

Leave a comment telling me YOUR favorite toppings concoction and send me pictures (moderndaydonnareed@gmail.com)! I'd love to post them on the CSHM Facebook Page and inspire other budding nacho enthusiasts!