m a x + l u l a c o o k: apple

Showing posts with label apple. Show all posts

Green Smoothie

My green smoothie. I love. I crave.

(I even got my husband to drink them every day...he actually likes them!)

Ingredients:

Kale (1 large stalk)

4 baby carrots

1 cup grapes (red or green)

4 strawberries

1/4 green apple

1 tablespoon "sugar in the raw" (Turbinado sugar)

2 tablespoons vanilla creamer

1/4 cup vanilla non-fat yogurt

Approximately 16 - 18 ice cubes

Blend all ingredients, except ice cubes on high until very smooth. *Note: If using a Vita-Mix, use the plunger to push everything down. If using a regular blender, pulse and stop/stir occasionally to get the food to start mixing.

Once smooth, add ice cube and pulse/blend until smooth.

**I buy my cane sugar in a big bag from Costco. It's cheaper and it lasts forever.

Sometimes, when I know my mornings will be rushed, I put everything in the blender (except the ice) and store it in the fridge over night. Then, in the morning, I blend, add the ice and I can run out the door with smoothie in hand. I'm extra happy all day :)

Grandma Ida's Pie Crust

My great grandma Ida's Perfect Pie Crust

I LOVE this crust. It is flaky and so so good, and the best part. . .it's so easy.

The thing about pie crusts is this:

You must follow these three golden rules...

1. Do NOT overhandle the dough (my mom taught me this). VERY important for a good crust.

2. You MUST let your pie sit after it has baked (at least an hour). The flavors meld and the juices set. Must must must!

3. Practice practice practice.

I'm not perfect at making pies and it's hard when you only tend to make them once a year. But the more you make them, the easier they get and the better you get.

Ida's PIE CRUST

(Makes 2 pie crusts)

Blend together until crumbly:

2 1/2 cups flour

1 teaspoon salt

1 cup shortening

In a small mixing bowl whisk together:

1/3 cup water

1 tablespoon vinegar

1 egg

Pour liquid into flour mixture and mix with a fork until JUST combined (DO NOT OVERMIX!)

Divide dough in half and roll out on floured surface (DO NOT OVER HANDLE & do NOT roll out more than once!)

Typically, you will bake your pie at about 375 degrees for 1 hour. Cover edges of pie crust with aluminum foil for first 30 minutes, then remove foil for remaining time. Otherwise, follow your favorite pie filling recipe's directions.

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Delicious Apple Pie Recipe

Pie Crust (enough for 2 pie crusts)

Filling
2 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)

8 to 10 Granny Smith apples

1/4 cup flour

3/4 cup sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon cold butter, sliced into 3 or 4 pieces

Sugar topping (sprinkle 1 - 2 teaspoons sugar or cinnamon sugar evenly on pie crust)

Roll out and place 1 pie crust in pie dish with a slight overhang. In a large mixing bowl add lemon juice. Peel, core and slice apples into 1/8" to 3/16" pieces. Add to bowl and toss. Add flour, sugar, salt and cinnamon and toss until well combined. Add filling mixture to pie crust. Top with 1 tablespoon sliced cold butter.

Roll out remaining pie crust and place over apple filling with a slight overhang. Trim edges to about a 1/4" to 1/2" overhang. Tuck under and crimp with thumbs. With a sharp knife add a few slits on the top crust. Sprinkle with sugar cinnamon mixture.

Bake pie @ 375 for about 45 to 60 minutes. Cover edges with aluminum foil for first 30 minutes (refer to pictures below). Remove foil.

Let pie sit for about 4 to 6 hours, or overnight before eating.

Julie's Coleslaw

I really love the idea of coleslaw...as a side with BBQ or fish 'n chips. But, I could never really get into the typical coleslaw. Too much mayo and no flavor = gross. So, I lightened it up, sweetened it up, and added some crunch. Fresh and summery and so good.

Ingredients

1 (16 oz) package angel hair coleslaw/cabbage

(or 1/2 to 1 cabbage, cut into paper-thin slices)

2 cups apple, diced 1/4" (about 2 small apples, Fuji are best)

2 stalks celery, chopped

2 green onions, chopped

3/4 cup salted cashews, roughly chopped

fresh ground pepper

kosher salt

Dressing

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1/2 cup sugar

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

1/8 teaspoon kosher salt

Mix dressing ingredients until well combined. Set aside. In a large bowl, combine all ingredients. Add dressing and combine well. Let sit a few minutes before serving.

*The key to this recipe is the cabbage. Make sure to use plain angel hair cabbage. The thinner the better. If you can't find it packaged, cut your own into paper thin slices.