May I be very candid?
Not that I’m normally guarded (I have a tendency to speak my mind), so it’s a bit of a rhetorical question.
Sometimes, eating healthy does mean you don’t cook from scratch. At least for me, it does.
I stay busy, as most of us do. In the midst of living (or doing) life, it is often tempting to make “less than stellar” food choices just for the sake of ease. Easy can (and does) feel good when you are pressed for time or just plain stressed and exhausted.
Who are we kidding?
This Thing Called Life
We ALL live busy lives for whatever reasons; and there are often many. May it be jobs, significant others, activities, kids, pets, friends, fitness, appointments, etc.
You get my point.
There ARE only so many hours in the day.
In the midst of our chaos (even when it is somewhat organized chaos), we should strive to carve some “me time.” For that to happen, more often than not, something has to give. Sometimes this means lunch or dinner is on the go…just because.
In my house, this means that dinner might just be pancakes (if you’re lucky), or WYF (whatever you fix), or (gasp!) a frozen meal.
As much as I prefer to make healthy food choices, I don’t always do that when I feel the time crunch.
I strive to be more mindful and to have convenient healthy foods on hand for days I just don’t want to cook.
This simple grain free apple crisp is my way to make a healthy food choice while saving time AND taking some me time.
To me, warm apple crisp means comfort food and I never fail to stop, sit, and fully savor this dessert…slowly. Yes, me time can be as simple as that.
I can make this yummy (and let’s not forget healthy) dessert in less than fifteen minutes with no oven required.
Simple Grain Free Apple Crisp: My Secret Weapon
While I do use one fresh organic apple; my topping is premade.
If you are a true food purist (before you judge me too harshly), know that my apple crisp topping is a delicious, sprouted, nutrition dense, grain free, granola bites made by Lark Ellen Farm.
I prefer using the vanilla cinnamon flavor when using it with my apple crisp but the berrylicious flavor works as well.
The Ingredients:
Here is the impressive ingredient list from the package of the vanilla cinnamon granola bites: sprouted raw sunflower seeds, sprouted raw pepitas, sprouted raw almonds, sprouted raw walnuts, sprouted raw cashews, sprouted raw pecans, unsweetened coconut, pure vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and sea salt.
The sweetener is pure organic maple syrup!
Note: of note for those who are allergic, these granola bites do contain tree nuts.
If This Was Not Enough
These bites of pure goodness are also paleo, vegan, and non-GMO project verified. The very best part, they are healthy AND taste AMAZING!
The only other ingredients you will need besides an apple and the granola bites are: some pastured butter (or coconut oil), pure vanilla extract, Himalayan or sea salt, ground cinnamon, and some pure Monk Fruit** (another sweetener of your choice would also work).
Sometimes, I sneak in a few drops of rum extract.
I like to top my warm apple crisp with a dollop of grass-fed yogurt (called Grassmilk). If you must be dairy free then you can use a dairy free yogurt.. or nothing at all.
If you feel super decadent you can use some whipped cream (or dairy free whipped cream), or even a nice scoop of vanilla ice cream.
As far as supplies, I only use a small saucepan.
** To learn about Monk Fruit read this article.
Nutritional Analysis
Keep in mind that this recipe only makes one serving.
The nutritional information (which includes the apple crisp made with butter and monk fruit, then topped with one-quarter cup of granola bites and Grassmilk yogurt) is as follows: calories 348, carbs 33 grams, fiber 6.9 grams, sugar 23 grams, fat 24 grams, and protein 6 grams.
Simple Grain Free Apple Crisp
I do not peel my apple but I do dice it into small pieces.
Place the apple pieces in a small pan. Add the butter (or coconut oil) and two tablespoons of water.
Place on the stovetop on medium to high heat and cook the apple. This will take about five minutes. You do not want the apple to be mush.
Add the monk fruit, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
You can add a couple drops of rum extract if your choose. Mix to combine.
Turn the stovetop off and remove the pan from the burner.
Pour the apple filling into a bowl.
Top with the crumbled granola bites and any additional topping of your choice.
Makes one simple grain free apple crisp.