How To Make Apple Pie

MAKES 5 OR 6 (3-OUNCE) POPS

Recent studies have found that people whose diets regularly include apples actually do visit the doctor less. It’s likely due to a flavonoid called quercetin, a potent antioxidant that may help protect against heart disease and cancer, in addition to having antihistamine and anti-inflammatory effects. Here they come together with cinnamon and just enough maple or coconut syrup to bring out their natural sweetness. These are a favorite among kids and any other apple pie lovers out there, as they taste just like a big bite of pie filling. You can use any common type of apple here, but I find the sweetness of Fujis and the tartness of Granny Smiths especially pleasing.

•2 tablespoons coconut oil

•5 or 6 apples, unpeeled, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 6 cups)

•½ cup water

•½ cup maple syrup or coconut syrup

•2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

•½ teaspoon ground ginger

•Generous pinch of salt

1.In a medium pot, melt the coconut oil over medium-high heat. Add the apples and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes. Reduce the heat to low and add the water, maple syrup, cinnamon, ginger, and salt. Cover and cook for 10 minutes, until the apples are very soft, almost falling apart.

2.Remove from the heat; let the mixture cool until warm to the touch before blending until smooth.

3.Pour the mixture into pop molds and freeze for 1 hour, then insert sticks and freeze for at least 4 hours more, or until solid.

Almost all the quercetin (and vitamins) in apples is found in the skin, so if you’re consuming apples for their health benefits, be sure not to peel them.

How To Make Apple Pie