Fresh autumn apples, warm cinnamon spice and the natural sweetness of Medjool dates are all it takes to make these simple, natural fruit snacks. Snacking is a great way to add a variety of healthy plant foods to your diet, throughout the day. These fruit leathers are rich in fiber and contain quercetin, a flavonoid with anti-inflammatory properties.

Ingredients:

5 medium apples, chopped
1 – 2 cup water
1 large date, pitted
1 tsp cinnamon

Makes 12 servings.
Per Serving: 45 calories, 0 g fat, 12 g carbohydrate, 0 g protein, 2 g dietary fiber, 0 mg sodium.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 3 hours

Directions

Place chopped apples in a medium saucepan with water. Bring to a simmer, cover and cook for about 10 minutes.
Add pitted date and cinnamon and mash. Cover and cook another 2-3 minutes on low heat.
Put mixture into a blender or food processor and process until smooth.
Pour onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a non-stick baking mat and spread with a spatula into a thin layer.

Bake at 175-200° (as low as your oven will go) for 2-3 hours or until it’s tacky but doesn’t stick to your finger.
*For a tasty and unique alternative, replace the apples with pears and the cinnamon with cardamom.