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Simple Apple Crostata

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This is a super easy version of apple pie, each slice of this crostata is packed with everything you find in an apple pie…the apple is moist and the crust is light and flaky…and even better served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

A few weeks ago, I was asked to make a dessert with apple for a dinner, after thinking and surfing the internet for ideas I finally decided to go with an apple crostata, first because of the way it looked and second for its simplicity.

So, if you like apple pie, you will love the apple crostata, which is nothing more than an apple tart. For this apple crostata, I simply used all the ingredients as for to bake an apple pie…and yes, I cheated…I did not make the crust, came directly from Trader Joe’s freezer, but if you like making everything from scratch you have my respect…either way, I can guarantee that you will enjoy this recipe, especially with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Talking about ice cream, have you ever heard of Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream? Well, if not you should see if there is any near you…the ice cream is to die for, made daily with the most fresh ingredients, once you try their ice cream you will not be able to settle for any other….anyway, so this is what we took to the dinner party.

This recipe was a compilation of many recipes from the internet, particularly from here.

Ingredients:

  • 500 g of apple, I used organic pink lady
  • 4 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, about the juice of one medium lemon
  • 3 tablespoons of butter, melted
  • 1 beaten egg mix with ½ tablespoon water as egg wash
  • Swedish pearl sugar
  • Extra ground cinnamon for the crust

Method:

Make sure the crust is defrosted, according to the instruction of the package.

Preheat oven to 400F

In a small bowl mix the sugar, cinnamon, cornstarch and set aside.

Peel, core and slice the apples. Place in a medium bowl. Add the lemon juice and toss it gently, making sure that every apple slice is coated with the lemon juice. Add the cinnamon and sugar mixture and then the melted butter. Again, making sure that the apple slices are coated.

Peel the pie crust and place on a parchment paper. Layer the apple slice orderly in one direction, leaving about 1 to 1.2 inch from the edge.  Once the crust is filled with the apple, fold the edge over the apple.

Brush the border with the egg wash and sprinkle with cinnamon and Swedish pearl sugar.

Bake for approximately 35 – 40 minutes or until the golden on the top.

Remove the crostata from the oven and let it cool before serving.

Note: I made another version which a thin layer of low sugar apricot jam (2 tablespoons) was added to the crust before adding the slices of apple, and proceeded as described above…absolutely delicious!

I hope you enjoy this simple version of apple pie.  You might want to take a look at Simple Apple Crisp or Apple Filled Buns recipes.

Did you know that apples contain pectin? Pectin is used in the making of jam as a thickening agent. Moreover, pectin is a dietary soluble fiber which can help lower cholesterol.

Thank you for visiting Color Your Recipes…have a colorful week!



Trader Joe’s Gnocchi with Sous Vide Chicken

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Have you ever tried Trader Joe’s gnocchi? Well, if you like gnocchi you should give it a try…I must confess it was better than I expected. As a matter of fact, this is my second time cooking it and this time I dressed it with peas, roasted sugar tomatoes and sous vide chicken.

This is particular great especially if you are pressed for time (like now getting ready for the holidays…), in a short time you are ready for an almost “gourmet” dinner, considering that you have in your refrigerator roasted sugar tomatoes and in the freezer green peas, sous vide chicken and a bag of Trader Joe’s gnocchi. Don’t panic if you do not have the ingredients listed…you can add fresh spinach, mushroom, roasted garlic, bacon, sausage, you can literally add whatever you like…just search your refrigerator…and you will be able to mix and match…

Did I tell you about sous vide chicken? I always have it in my freezer, it is so convenient, you can use the individually frozen chicken breast in hot dishes like this one or cold ones like salad and sandwiches…they are always moist and tender and loaded with flavors. You can marinate the chicken with any kind of spice you want. Please check here for the sous vide chicken recipe.

How to freeze sous vide chicken:
Before placing the sous vide cooked chicken breast, simply drop the bags of chicken breasts into an ice water bath after the cooking time and let them chill completely.

Ingredients:

  • 1 Trader Joe’s Gnocchi
  • ½ to ¾ cup frozen green peas
  • ½ cup roasted sugar tomatoes (recipe here or here)
  • 1 sous vide chicken breast

Method:

Defrost the sous vide chicken breast in the refrigerator overnight or in the counter for an hour. Quickly sear both sides in a cast iron pan, just enough to produce a golden color. Slice and set aside.

In a cast iron pan add the gnocchi from Trader Joe’s and follow its instructions. When it is almost ready add the frozen green peas and roasted tomatoes, mix gently. Add the sliced chicken breast, mix and serve hot.

If you enjoy sous vide method, you might want to take a look on Flank Steak or Butter Lemon Swai recipes.

Did you know that gnocchi is a variation of pasta? It is usually made with the same ingredients as for pasta and it is eaten as a main dish.

Thank you for visiting Color Your Recipes…have a colorful day!