American Apple Experiments

Greetings Great Balancing Act Readers! My name is Emily, but you may know me better as The Experimentarian. I love to work out, run, cook, bake and generally be a healthy and happy person. My blog is dedicated to trying lots of new products, random recipes and even some freaky foods, as I strive to expand my culinary palette and discover my true likes and dislikes.

You know that the lovely Susan hails from Canada, and as I introduce myself, I’ll tell you that I reside in Utah, USA. But no matter where you’re from, you’ve probably heard the saying “as American as apple pie,” in fact another favorite blogger alluded to it a few days ago.  Well, I have no idea where this phrase comes from, but I decided to dedicate my guest post on my neighbor-to-the-North’s blog to the American apple.

My husband and I recently purchased a new home, and my FAVORITE thing about the property is the huge apple tree in the backyard.

We’re not quite sure what type of apples these are (my dad guessed Red Delicious?), but whatever they are, they are super duper yummy. And there are a bazillion of them.

Luckily, October is Apple Month, according to my move-busitn’ pally, Janetha B.

Especially sweet with a side of sunlight!

Needless to say, as an official experimentarian, I have been occupying my mind daydreaming about new ways I can eat them. Besides the obvious pies, crumbles and muffins, I can’t wait to try my hand at making some applesauce, but in the meantime, I’ve whipped up another sort of creation.

If you frequent my blog, you may have witnessed my obsession with cottage cheese. I could literally eat it every meal of the day and be delighted. Every meal AND dessert, as seen here. As if one sweet creation weren’t enough (and it isn’t–who told you that??), with my plethora of apples, I created what I call Apple Pie in the Sky C x 3 (cottage cheese concoction).

• 1/2 c. cottage cheese
• 1 packet of Sun Crystals, or sweetener of your choice
• vanilla extract, a pinch of nutmeg and more cinnamon than you can shake a stick at
• 1 chopped and cooked apple (I just steamed mine in the micro)
• 1/4 c. Fiber One
• 1/2 c. Kashi Heart to Heart Warm Cinnamon
• as much almond butter as your little heart desires

Now, I know nothing can really substitute for rich apple filling oozing out of a warm, flaky crust but in my quest to be healthy, I relish the challenge of modifying recipes to make them better for you,and this certainly fits the bill. Although on taste alone, I’m not sure you’d ever guess it!

I’m sure this would be equally wonderful mixed with some vanilla protein powder, or even some luscious oats. As for me, I think I’ll stick with the cottage cheese…for now! Be sure to check out my other crazy concoctions (and yes, more cottage cheese), if you’d like :) And don’t worry–while apple pie might be American, I believe cottage cheese is an international food, so dig in!

Here’s hoping Miss Susan is having a blast on her vacay and adventuring into lots of delicious experimentations of her own! Come home soon though–we miss you!

Thanks so much for reading! xoxo, love E