Crisp apples and glowing pumpkins are plentiful at this time of year, and kids love both. As you explore the farms and harvest festivals this month, pick up fresh apples and pumpkin seeds to make this healthy and delicious snack from the new Organic Superfoods Cookbook for Baby & Toddler from Happy Family. This recipe is vegetarian, egg-free, gluten-free, and nut-free, so nothing spooky here.
Baked Apples with Cheddar Cheese and Pumpkin Seeds
Makes 4 apple halves
Ingredients:
- 2 large red apples, halved and cored
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup, agave syrup or brown sugar
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup shredded Cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons raw pumpkin seeds
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a 9-by-13-inch baking dish.
- Place the apple halves, cut side up, in the prepared dish. Drizzle or sprinkle the sweetener over the apples, dividing it evenly, then sprinkle with the cinnamon. Top each apple half with 2 tablespoons Cheddar cheese and sprinkle with 1½ teaspoons pumpkin seeds.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake until the apples are tender, about 35 minutes. Remove the foil and let cool, then serve. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Switch it Up: You can play with different types of cheese and fruit in this vitamin C-boosting snack. Pears make a great substitute since, like apples, they hold their shape well when baked. Also, if you choose a red-skinned variety, your little one will be getting the added benefit of beta-carotene, an anti-inflammatory antioxidant.
