Apple chips with everything good

I really subscribe to the ‘keep it simple’ mantra, particularly in my cooking, though I am trying to make sure that it spreads to the rest of my life, as well.

This healthy seasonal snack is as simple as it comes. But peak season fruit does not need much else, just a little slow heat.

Sharpen your chef’s knives and pick up some of the sweetest of this fall’s crop of apples. Honey crisps or Pink Ladies or Galas will suit.

That, and any mix of delicious seed, nut, or chocolate toppings, plus a little honey, are all you need to make these apple chips.

Pick whatever toppings you prefer, but remember: keep it simple. Lighter seeds and nuts will bake and stick better to the delicate chips.

ps. {If you want more ideas for healthy snacks – for kids and adults alike! – click Nuts.com.

Apple chips

You’ll need:

• 2 large apples
• 3 T light honey
• sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, pine nuts
• chocolate chips or chunks (optional)

1. Preheat oven to 225F and line a baking sheet with wax/baking paper.
2. There is no need to core or peel the apples. Turn each apple on the side and use a chef’s knife to cut thin rounds – as thin as you can make them.
3. Lay the apple slices out on the baking sheet. They can be placed fairly close together since they will shrink as they bake.
4. If you’re using toppings, chop up the chocolate and any larger nuts into smaller pieces. Then pour about 1/2 T of honey onto half of an apple slice and place the nuts or seeds etc. on top. Don’t overload the chips – they should still be thin and crisp!
5. Bake for about an hour. Check on the apple chips about 40-45 mins into baking and flip some of them, if necessary, for even color.