Are You in Holiday Food Withdrawal? Try This Super-Satisfying Snack

Do you feel a little let down this month, food-wise? It seems we all went from holiday feasts to January healthy eating in the blink of an eye. But why not have both? This easy, healthy snack will fend off the January diet doldrums and it’s pretty enough for a party. 

The secret to its beauty is 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 is ideal for growing apples. 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 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! Be sure to buy extra for this delicious savoury snack.

Cosmic Crisp Super “Straws” and Dip

3 large Cosmic Crisp apples, cut into sticks

1 ½ cups (375 mL) plain Greek yogurt, strained

1/3 cup (75mL) cup finely grated Parmesan cheese

2 tbsp (30 mL) olive oil

2 tsp (10 mL) chopped fresh thyme leaves (plus thyme sprigs for garnish)

1 tsp (5 mL) finely grated lemon peel

¼ tsp (1 mL) salt

In a medium bowl combine yogurt, cheese, olive oil, thyme leaves, lemon peel, and salt. Divide dip among 10 small (4 oz./120 mL) serving glasses. Divide apple straws evenly among the glasses, arranging them standing up in the dip. Garnish each serving with a little fresh thyme sprig. 

Makes 10 servings.

Like this recipe? Visit the Healthy Snacking page at CosmicCrisp.com for great apple snacking ideas and so much more.

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