Photo by Tom McCorkle and food styling by Gina Nistico; for The Washington Post
Apples cut into rings, then topped with peanut butter (or any nut or seed butter) make a canvas for an array of toppings, such as coconut, granola, dried fruit, crushed cereal or mini chocolate chips. Kids can mix-and-match toppings to decorate their own slices, so they will not only be fueling themselves healthfully, they’ll be having creative fun, too. They may just be the perfect after school snack!
Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
1 large, sweet red apple, such as Honey Crisp or Gala
¼ cup creamy peanut butter, or other nut/seed butter
1/3 cup total of any mix of toppings such as: shredded coconut, mini chocolate chips, granola, raisins, chopped dried fruit, crushed ready-to-eat cereal
Slice the apple crosswise into ¼-inch thick slices. Use a melon baller or small spoon to scoop out the core at the center of each slice to create apple rings. You should wind up with at least 6 rings.
Spread 2 teaspoons of the peanut butter on top of each ring, then top each with a mix of toppings as desired, about 1 tablespoon of toppings on each ring. Eat immediately or keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Makes 3 servings
Serving size: 2 rings
Per serving (using peanut butter, coconut and raisins as toppings): Calories 218; Total Fat 13 g; (Sat Fat 3 g); Protein 6 g; Carb 24 g; Fiber 4 g; Cholesterol 0 mg; Sodium 79 mg, Total Sugar 16 g (Added Sugar 0 g)