Spring Is Coming! This Organic Apple Flatbread Will Make You Feel Like It’s Already Here

Spring is coming and we’re moving away from soups and stews towards lighter fare. Whether you’re a “grill in the cold” type or prefer to use your oven, here’s a simple BBQ Chicken Flatbread to enjoy as you watch the snow melt.

The reason it seems light and springlike: apples! They’re crunchy and juicy to balance the tart BBQ sauce. Apples and cheese is of course a classic combination, and when that cheese is melted the result is sublime.

You know the old adage: “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” Well, that’s actually some sound advice! Here’s why: one medium apple (180 g) has only 72 calories, 19 carbohydrates, and is a source of fibre and Vitamin C. Canada’s Food Guide recommends 7 to 10 servings of fruits and vegetables per day, and a medium apple is a single fruit serving.

And what could be simpler and more wholesome than the apple? Washington Organic apples have arrived in-store, rounding out the supply of apples for Canadians. Organic Washington apples are available in every key variety, and each organic Washington apple is picked by hand.

Washington state is known as one of the premier apple-growing areas in the world. The nutrient-rich soil, arid climate, plentiful water and advanced growing practices provide the right ingredients for producing top-quality fruit. And this superior climate also reduces the need for applications to control insects and pests.

BBQ Chicken Flatbread with Apples

Washington Organic apples add a nice, sweet bite to this BBQ chicken flatbread. This is a great appetizer for a party and even makes for an easy family dinner.

Serves: 12 as an appetizer or 4 for a main course.

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cook time: 10 minutes

1 large flatbread (about 12 inches/30 cm)

¼ cup (60 mL) of your favourite BBQ sauce

½ cup (125 mL) shredded Swiss or mozzarella cheese

4 to 6 oz (120 to 180 g) cooked chicken

¼ cup (60 ml) thinly sliced red onion

¼ cup (60 mL) frozen corn, thawed

Half a medium sized Washington Organic apple

Cilantro for garnish (optional)

Preheat oven to 375 F (190 C). Chop chicken and apples into about ½ inch (1 cm) pieces.

Place flatbread on a cookie sheet. Assemble flatbread by evenly spreading BBQ sauce over flatbread. Add more if needed. Sprinkle half the cheese over the BBQ sauce. Top with chicken, red onion, corn, and apple pieces. Finish up by sprinkling remaining cheese over toppings. This will hold flatbread and toppings together.

Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until crust is browned and cheese is bubbly. Cut into 12 pieces and top with cilantro if desired.

Note: you can also add the chopped apple after cooking if you want crunchy apple pieces.

Three Easy Tips for Selecting the Best Apples at Your Local Store

• Look for apples with shiny, not dull skin. Shiny apples are crisp and tasty!
• Pick apples that feel firm when you give them a gentle squeeze.
• Avoid apples that have bruises or punctures.

To Refrigerate or Not to Refrigerate?

Refrigerate your apples for best quality; apples stay freshest when they’re kept in your refrigerator’s crisper.

How to Keep Sliced Apples from Browning

Apples naturally turn brown (oxidize) after they’re sliced. While apples that turn brown are safe to eat, they don’t look and taste their freshest. An easy way to prevent or slow oxidation is by dipping sliced apples into a solution that is one part citrus juice and three parts water.

Want more apple recipe ideas? Visit waapple.org for great apple recipes and so much more.