An apple a day keeps the doctor away.
We’ve all heard that saying. As I sat in a cooking class recently, I heard firsthand chefs discussing all the benefits that apples do have, so much so that I’m determined to add even more into my diet.
Think of apples as an organic way of bettering your body. It’s why I was so excited to enjoy a cooking class focused on apples, and also discover a new-to-me type of apple (along with a plethora of incredible recipes, one of which I’m sharing with you today – Envy Apple and Blueberry Baked Oatmeal). While you can make this recipe with any apple you typically use for baking, I’m sharing why the Envy Apple is a great pick.
This fun evening at a cooking class and post was sponsored. All opinions, as always, are my own. Affiliate links in post where a small commission may be earned at no cost to you for any purchases made.
I attended a cooking class at Central Market in Dallas, Texas. While I’ve attended classes there before, usually they were hands-on classes where I was participating in the cooking or baking.
This evening would be different, as it was a demonstration type class with sous chefs leading the instruction. Don’t worry, I still was able to taste every single dish that they prepared. Whew!
Every recipe was inspired by Envy apples. But what exactly was an Envy apple?
Envy apples are a cross between two other apples that you are likely familiar with – the Braeburn and the Royal Gala. I’ve been told they have a naturally higher citric acid content, and it is this that prevents the ‘browning’ enzyme from activating.
What this means for you? This means Envy Apples VERY slow to brown, and perfect for kid’s lunches, picnics, salads, and entertaining! The apples will look beautiful for hours.
Envy apples are non GMO and naturally grown in Washington State and New Zealand! They can be found in many grocery stores! Look for a store near you.
Now for recipe time to showcase just how incredible these Envy apples are!
Envy Apple and Blueberry Baked Oatmeal Recipe
Recipe provided thanks to Central Market and adapted from Heidi Swanson’s Baked Oatmeal, Epicurious, September 24, 2015.
What I like most about this recipe is there is no added sugar. Any sugar comes naturally from the fruit or maple syrup (and I use sugar-free maple syrup to reduce it further.)
Serves 6
Ingredients
- 2 Cups of Rolled Oats
- 1 Cup of Walnuts, chopped
- 1 tsp of Baking Powder
- 1 1/2 tsp of Cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp of Salt (fine, not course)
- 1/3 cup Maple Syrup (I use this brand of sugar-free maple syrup)
- 2 Cups Milk
- 1 Large Egg
- 1 1/2 Tbsp of Unsalted Butter (melted and cooled a bit) NOTE: You will need a tad more butter to butter the pan
- 1 tsp Vanilla Bean Paste (I substitute and use Vanilla Extract)
- 1 Large Apple, washed and cut up (I like thin slices)
- 6 oz of Fresh Blueberries
Directions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Use some extra butter and “butter” the inside of an 8-inch baking dish.
In a bowl, combine the oats, half the walnuts, baking powder, cinnamon and salt.
In another bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, milk, egg, butter, and vanilla.
Spread the apple pieces along the bottom of the buttered pan. Top with the oat mixture and drizzle the liquid mixture over the oats. Scatter the walnuts and blueberries over the oats.
Bake for 35-45 minutes, until the top is golden and the oats are set.
Let cool for a few minutes and serve.
Keep any leftovers refrigerated.
Not a bite was left!
This dish was delicious and one I’m sure to create for family breakfasts time and time again, as it couldn’t be easier to make.
As for the rest of the class, we enjoyed a number of other dishes, each made with Envy apples. From salad and soup to pork loin and dessert, it did not disappoint!
Envy apples – a must for your year-round cooking needs!
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