No-bake, Gluten-free

The front porch at Freshlife is piled high with the bounty of the local apple harvest. From a pound to a bushel, Freshlife customers tell us that our apple prices are the lowest anywhere. We are happy to let you mix and match your favorite apple varieties and still get the discount that buying by the bushel and ½ bushel provides. Choose from: Cortland, Macoun, Empire, MacIntosh, Northern Spy, Red Delicious, Ida Red, and Mutsu.

There are so many ways to enjoy apples! How about a new twist on an old classic? The raw-food crust and stove top filling in the recipe below make it as quick and easy to prepare as it is delicious to eat. The tart can be served warm or cold, by itself or topped with vanilla yogurt or whipped cream.

Barb Jarmoska

Apple Walnut Tart

Ingredients:

Crust

• 2-1/2 cups walnuts
• 1-1/2 cups whole, pitted dates
• sea salt to taste

Filling

• 3- 4 apples, sliced (use 3 if larger, 4 is smaller)
• juice of 1 lemon in 2 cups water
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp allspice
• 1/8 tsp ground clove
• 2 TBS honey, maple syrup or agave nectar
• 1/2 cup apple juice
• 3 Tbl raisins (or skip the raisins and use an extra apple)

Directions:

1. Combine walnuts and dates in food processor. Process until blended and ground, but not smooth. Crust mixture should be moist and coarse when done. If too dry, add in 1-2 Tbl apple juice and pulse until blended. Press evenly into a 9-inch tart pan, and refrigerate while making the filling.
2. Peel apples and cut into quarters. Put apple quarters into lemon water as you finish cutting and slicing. Cut out core and slice crosswise in 1/4 inch thick slices. Drain slices in colander when finished.
3. Place apples in a large skillet with all remaining ingredients and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently over medium heat.
4. Using a slotted spoon, remove apples to a bowl and cool completely.
5. Simmer remaining liquid to about half the original volume and then cool.
6. Spread apples evenly over crust. Brush syrup over apples.
7. Serve warm, or cover and chill.