Friday's Photos, All About Apples, October 14, 2011

Here's a bit of what I was going to present to you on today's Friday's Flick.

The gadgets I used are a Swissmar Borner V Slicer. There are other V Slicers and Mandolines on the market varying in price from $15 to $150.  I find this one versatile enough.  It is also compact enough to store in a draw or stand on the counter. If it's easy to access, you'll use it more. I really do use mine a lot. I have a spare that I found at a swap meet that has a tic tac to type slicer for fancy fries.

 Progressive 12 slice apple corer and wedger. This makes the perfect size slices for pies.
Norpro 8 slice apple corer and wedger. A little thicker of a wedge for snacks or if you like bigger pieces of apple in your pie, this is your gadget.
Apple corer - mine is an oldie, but OXO makes a good one as well as Cuisipro.

I also have a Norpro Apple Master Peeler and Corer, that works really well if your apples are fresh. If you have one of these gadgets and have older apples or are unsure how old they are, soak the apples in cold water to tighten the skins. You'll find that they will peel much cleaner using this method.
Amazon has other brands of these peeler and corers, but I like that this one comes with the option of a table clamp.

The photos show some of the thin and thick apple slices from the V slicer, a few wedges from the wedgers, and a core still attached to the corer.

The other photo shows one of the snacks that helped me lose 30 lbs. In the evening, to satisfy my sweet craving, I sliced apples on my V slicer, sprinkled on some cinnamon, and put it in the microwave for about 60 seconds. You can also do this with a cored whole apple, cook it for a bit longer and if you need a little more sweetness add some flavored caramel or other flavor liquid Stevia. To make is seem more like a dessert, I used a nice plate and ate it with a fork and knife.  Tricks for the brain! :)

Apple Pie 

Serves 8  (For you Weight Watchers, this is about 6 points+ per serving)

Crust
Combine 1 c flour; 2 tsp. sugar & 3 Tbsp. very cold butter in your food processor.
Slowly add 2 to 3 Tbsp. very cold water until the dough comes together.

Roll with a floured rolling pin, or press into a 9 inch pie plate.

Filling
In a large bowl add 4 large apples, wedged or sliced. I like Mac's or Granny Smith.
Add 1/2 c sugar, 1 Tbsp flour or cornstarch, 1 tsp. cinnamon, 1/4 tsp. nutmeg
Toss to coat all the wedges. Pour into uncooked pie crust.

Topping
In a small bowl add 1/4 cup Quaker Oats, 1/4 cup flour, 2 Tbsp. brown sugar, 2 Tbsp. melted butter.
Mix then top the apples with crumble mixture.

Bake at 400 degrees for about 40 - 50 min. until the apples are tender. Do not overcook or you will end up with applesauce.