I can't quite remember how I came up with this recipe. I'm pretty sure I was sitting at the office, working on a meal plan for someone, trying to incorporate foods that they enjoy into their plan when apples came into the picture. Knowing me, that train of thought probably went something like.... (1) I love apples, especially in the fall (2) I wonder how they would taste sautéed or roasted? (3) Oooo, what is something different that I could do with roasted apples? (4) I need more breakfast ideas for my clients (5) Hmm, how could I add them to breakfast?? (6) Oh! I'll top them on my peanut butter toast! (7) And THEN, I can save the leftovers and warm them up in my oatmeal the NEXT morning! (8) Yes. Done! (9) Oh yeah, meal plan.
Yep - that was probably my thought process, seemingly scattered yet conclusive all at the same time. And the good thing is that all of these ingredients are staples in my pantry and, therefore, no grocery store trip needed! Win! So, the next morning, after the above mentioned brainstorming session, I gave this recipe a try. Everything was pretty quick except for cooking the apples. It took a bit of time to get those soft and warmed through and sweetened, but I just used that time to clean up the kitchen! And when I sat down and took my first bite, it certainly seemed worth the wait. As I took my last bite I stated wishing that I made 2 slices instead of just one.
With this dish you get the classic apple and peanut butter combo, but with a hint of cinnamon and honey. It's like putting apple jam on your toast, except So. Much. Better. You get the opposing textures of the crunchy toast with the soft apples along with the pop of the sweet from the cinnamon that enhances the drizzle of honey. All senses combine here for a great spin on your standard apple and peanut butter snack and your morning peanut butter toast. A very compelling reason to get out of bed in the morning and a great way to start the day if you ask me. And the good thing is that it's really pretty simple! Plus, if you go ahead and cook a bunch of apples (more than what is needed for the recipe), you can store them in the fridge and heat up the following morning or later that week to top more toast, heat up in you morning oatmeal, or to top waffles or pancakes!
Here you go - a recipe for Cinnamon Apple Nut Butter Toast...
Happy Fueling!
Taylor
CINNAMON APPLE NUT BUTTER TOAST
Serves 1; Makes 1 slice
INGREDIENTS:
1/2 teaspoon butter (or canola oil for a healthier fat option)
1 slice hearty whole grain bread
1 apple, diced into small dices (about 2 cups diced) - I recommend a sweeter variety vs. tart (also - you are only going to use about 1/4 cup of the cooked cinnamon apples for 1 slice of toast, but go ahead and cook all in case you want another slice or want to use later in the week!)
2 teaspoons cinnamon
2 teaspoons lemon juice (1 lemon)
1 tablespoon your favorite nut or seed butter (peanut, almond, sunflower, etc.)
1 teaspoon local honey
DIRECTIONS:
Toast your bread in a toaster, OR ....
.... Melt about 1/4 teaspoon of butter in a skillet on medium heat and then toast your bread in the skillet, toasting it about 4 minutes per side. Watch carefully so that it does not burn! Once bread is browned and toasted on both sides, remove from skillet and set on your serving plate.
In a small mixing bowl combine the diced apples, cinnamon, lemon juice & 1/2 teaspoon honey and mix together with a wooden spoon or spatula until the apple dices are coated.
Using the same skillet, melt the remaining 1/4 teaspoon butter (or canola oil) on medium heat.
Add the apple mixture to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until the apples are soft and warm, about 15 - 20 minutes and then cover and cook about 4 - 5 minutes more (the smaller dices you make your apples, the faster they will cook).
Top toasted bread with 1 tablespoon nut or seed butter.
Drizzle 1/2 teaspoon honey over nut/seed butter (spread with knife if desired).
Top toast with about 1/4 cup cooked cinnamon apples.
Serve & enjoy!
