Pecan Crusted Apple Tarts

I saw Curtis Stone make his healthy version of Pecan Pie and I thought it was interesting.  I thought I would try making it, but changed a few things and made my own version.  After making it, I wasn't sure how much I would enjoy it because it wasn't as pretty as I envisioned it, but I have to say it was delicious and light.  It definitely satisfied my sweet tooth.  If you like cooked apples and pecans, you will love this recipe.  It's healthy, low in calorie, nutritious, and most importantly, DELICIOUS.

Recipe

6 servings:  180/serving

8 servings:  145/serving

Apple Filling

5 medium apples

1 Cinnamon Stick

1 orange

1.5 cups of Apple Cider

¼ cup cranberry juice

1 tsp Vanilla extract

1 tsp Light Brown Sugar

Pecan topping

1/8 cup whole wheat flour

2/3 Rolled Oats

1 tsp Ground cinnamon

1 tsp Canola Oil

1 tsp Splenda

¾ cup Pecans

Instructions:

• Peel , core, and slice the apples      
• Cut the orange in half and squeeze the orange over the sauce pan
• Place the cinnamon stick, cranberry juice, apple cider, and vanilla extract into the sauce pan
• Place the pan over medium heat and bring to a simmer
• Once the sauce has come to a simmer, add the apple slices
• Lower the heat, place a cover, and cook apples until tender (not mushy) – about 10 minutes
• While the apples are cooking, combine all the ingredients (except pecans) for the topping in a mixing bowl
• With your hands (or a fork), work the ingredients together to thoroughly combine
• Add pecans and toss
• Once the apples are cooked, transfer them to an oven ready pie dish with a slotted spoon
• Leave the remaining liquid cooking over a medium heat for another 10-12 minutes to create a thin sauce.
• Remove the sauce and let cool.  It will thicken.
• While the liquid is thickening, place the topping over the apples in the pie dish
• Place the dish in a pre-heated oven of 400degrees until the topping begins to brown.  Becareful not to burn the pecans.
• To serve: Place dessert in a serving bowl and top with sauce.  YUM

 Nutritional Benefits

Apples

• Low Cholesterol:  The pectin in apples lowers LDL (bad) cholesterol.  The high levels of quercetin and naringin has been associated to the prevention of lung cancer.
• Blood Sugar:   Phytonutrients helps regulate the body’s blood sugar levels. 
• Fiber:  Apples are pretty high in fiber which helps with digestion.
• Anemia:  Due to the amount of iron, apples is a great fruit to help counteract anemia.  Iron helps raise the lack of hemoglobin in the blood.
• Energy:  Apples are known to take away weakness and naturally provide energy.

Pecans:

• Antioxidants:  The vitamin E found in pecans  may provide a key element in providing neurological protection.  Antioxidants help protect against cell damage and help fight diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, cancer and heart disease. 
• Low  Cholesterol:  It is the saturated source of plan sterols that lessens cholesterol