Baked Apple Chips

Most people like chips, and while most think of potato chips, tortilla chips or even kale chips, when they hear the magic five-letter word, not all chips are made from vegetables. Apples can be turned into chips – and baked chips at that, which are far healthier for you than any that have been fried or processed. Here is an easy way to make baked apple chips. Not only do they make for a great snack, side dish or dessert, they are also a great way to “Keep the State On Your Plate.”

There are many kinds of apples, and while you can bake any kind of apple and make it taste good, those that are firmer — such as Golden Delicious, MacIntosh or Gala — will give you a crispier, thicker texture to bite into. You can also play around with chips that are tart or sweet. Then again, nobody says that you only have to use one kind of apple; you can grab a combination of varieties and prepare and serve them together for a real taste sensation.

(Recipe serves four, multiply accordingly for larger groups, or if making a flag display)

Equipment:

• peeler & corer
• large bowl
• large baking sheet
• appropriate utensils (flat spatula)

Ingredients:

• 6 apples
• at least 2 and up to 6 teaspoons of sugar (brown works better than white sugar)
• at least 1 and up to 3 teaspoons of ground cinnamon (to taste)
• (optional) one cup of finely chopped walnuts

Directions:

• Preheat the oven to 200 degrees
• Wash, peel, core, and slice the apples (thin slices, but not paper thin – about 1/8 of an inch.
• Arrange the apple slices on the baking sheet
• Mix sugar and cinnamon (and walnuts, if desired) in a bowl
• Sprinkle sugar-cinnamon mix evenly atop the apples
• Bake for 45 minutes and check: if the apples are dried and the edges starting to curl, take one out with a spatula and test it. If not crisp, bake for another 15 minutes.
• When baked, use a spatula to remove chips from baking sheet, preferably onto a cooling rack (although a plate will do)
• Note that if you added walnuts (and especially if they are not thinly sliced) most will fall off...but don't worry. They make for a good dessert topping or as a snack by themselves, and they have imparted their nuttiness to the apple chips.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve when cooled – or save in a container for later. No matter when you eat the baked apple chips, they are a great way to “Keep the State On Your Plate (or in your hand).”