The Secret to These Healthy “Apple-tizers”? A Brand New Apple Variety That Naturally Does Not Brown – in Canadian Stores This Winter

Do you have the January food blues? These days we’re all eating at home more and to stave off boredom this winter we’re looking for easy recipes that are not only healthy and easy to prepare but also capture the delight of a restaurant night out.

These “apple-tizers” are made with what might be the hottest thing since sliced bread: a new apple variety—20 years in the making—that is naturally slow to brown: the Cosmic Crisp. That this flesh stays white even after slicing means this platter will look as good when you’re diving in as it did while you were slicing these exceptionally sweet, juicy and crispy apples.

The Cosmic Crisp was classically bred by the Washington State University tree fruit breeding program. Tree fruit breeders spent over 20 years cross-pollinating, tasting and testing, ensuring the Cosmic Crisp would be naturally developed into a delicious, non-GMO apple. These apples are orchard-grown in Washington state, near the Columbia River where days are warm and nights are cool. This climate permits the best apple growing region in the world. It was a long wait, but worth every minute!

They’re great for cooking and baking, due to their sweetness and crispy texture. Also, Cosmic Crisps are a cook’s best friend because you can slice and chop them before you start cooking and baking and they’ll be beautiful when it comes time to add them to your recipe.

Apples are also the perfect snack. Since apples are mostly made up of water, they have a low calorie density, meaning there aren’t a lot of calories in apples, yet they are still filling. They’re fat, sodium, and cholesterol free, and carbs in apples boost blood sugar less rapidly than other foods. Apples are best stored at 32 °F (0 °C), in your refrigerator’s crisper inside a plastic bag with holes in it.

These crispy, juicy, sweet apples are available across Canada at most major retailers. If you don’t see them, just ask for directions to the Cosmic Crisp display.

People say they “snap” when you bite into them—take a bite and you’ll see this variety was worth the wait! They’re a perfect snacking apple, but be sure to buy extra to make this elegant, fun Friday-night treat platter:

Cosmic Crisp Apple-tizer Platter

This arrangement of decadent yet nutritious apple creations is perfect for a Friday night in front of the fire. The secret to success is that the Cosmic Crisp apples are naturally slow to brown.

 Apple Sausage Rolls
Thinly slice apples and slice grilled or sautéed sausages at an angle. Add a sprig of baby arugula, then roll and secure with a toothpick.

Apple Prosciutto Bites
Shape thinly sliced apple into a loose accordion fold. Wrap with strips of prosciutto and garnish with parsley leaf.

Ham, Cheese and Apple Delights
Thinly slice center cuts of apple and arrange with thin sliced ham and your favourite cheese (gruyere, cheddar and Swiss work well.) Add a dollop of Dijon mustard. Roll and secure with a toothpick.

Apple Basil Mozza Balls
Thinly slice apples. Wrap a fresh basil leaf around a bocconcini mozzarella ball. Roll and secure with a toothpick.

Apple Bagel Slices
Core apple then slice horizontally into circles and spread with your favourite herbed soft cheese. Garnish with chives and chive flowers.

cosmiccrisp.com