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Michigan Apples – A Perfect Back-to-School Snack!

Kids are heading back to school and the Michigan Apple season is in full swing – what a perfect time to include healthy Michigan Apples into nourishing snacks that keep kids energized and ready to learn. Apples on their own are low in calories, and a good source of vitamin C and fiber. Combining apples with nut butters, cheese or Greek yogurt adds even more nutrients to help give kids the energy and nutrition they need to stay healthy and well.

These simple recipes are fun to create and have easy preparations steps so your kids can get involved. They’ll enjoy tasks like spreading, drizzling, sprinkling, and of course, eating these tasty treats.

Michigan Apple Nachos – These easy apple nachos are made with crisp Michigan Apples and simple toppings like nut butter and mini chocolate chips. Your kids will love to help you assemble them!

Ingredients

4 Michigan Apples (Try Gala, Honeycrisp or Fuji)

4 tablespoons nut butter of your choice, melted in microwave

1/4 cup mini chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. Wash, core and slice apples.  Arrange one layer of apples on a plate.
  2. Drizzle half of the melted nut butter over apples. 
  3. Add another layer with apples and nut butter.
  4. Sprinkle evenly with chocolate chips and serve.

 

Michigan Apple and Nutella “Sliders” – These apple "sliders" are the perfect grab-and-go snack made with only 3 ingredients including the crunchy tartness of Michigan Apples.

Ingredients

2 large Michigan Apple (Try Cortland, Ida Red or McIntosh)

4 tablespoons Nutella

1/2 cup granola

Instructions

Wash and core the apples. Slice apples into 1/2-inch-thick slices. Spread half of apple slices with Nutella and sprinkle generously with granola. Press the granola slightly into the Nutella. Top with the remaining apple slices and serve immediately.

Tip: If preparing in advance, keep the apples from turning brown by dipping the apple slices in a cup of cold water mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice, then pat dry. 

 

Michigan Apples with Vanilla Cinnamon Yogurt Dip – Combining the nutrition of Michigan Apples with Greek yogurt adds protein and fiber to this yummy snack with just the right amount of sweetness.

Ingredients

5.3 ounces low sugar vanilla Greek Yogurt

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Michigan Apple, sliced

Instructions

Open container of Greek yogurt and stir in cinnamon. Dip in sliced apples.

 

 

 

 

Meet the Author

Shari Steinbach

Shari Steinbach, MS RDN
President
Shari Steinbach & Associates, LLC

For the past 26 years, Shari has worked as a dietitian in the grocery industry for two major retailers in the Midwest. In her retail roles, Shari has managed consumer health communication, health influencer partnerships, nutrition programs, and solution-selling strategies.

Shari has served as a nutrition expert and corporate spokesperson, providing food and nutrition advice through monthly television spots on ABC, NBC and FOX affiliates and local radio segments. She has also conducted numerous educational presentations to community groups and professional organizations throughout the country. Her timely nutrition and food product information and strategic social media messages have reached millions of consumers.