Sunday, November 2, 2014

Recipe - Fried Cinnamon Apple Rings with Vanilla Ice Cream

So, sometimes you want something a little sweet, sometimes you want something fried, sometimes you want something both sweet and fried. Sometimes....

I made this last weekend!! Fried cinnamon apple rings!! 

Fried -  Cinnamon and Apples - FRIED!  
OH MY GAWD! 

Served with vanilla ice cream, it was a huge hit with the family!  Everyone totally lost their minds! Apple rings, fried, with flour and cinnamon and sugar!! They are like.... mini apple pies but... fried and whatnot!   They are like.... the most amazing thing in the history of ever!

Now... are these the healthiest things in the history of ever? No.  
Are these the worst thing in the history of ever? No. 
I can think of far worse selections one could make, but... this is definitely not something I would ever eat on a regular basis. This is absolutely, positively, a once in a while treat/dessert.  Even if I opt to bake these little guys in lieu of frying, they are still quite naughty on the calorie, sugar and carbohydrate scale.  

So, if we want a healthier alternative to these fried battered apples... we could bake the apple rings coated only in cinnamon, skip the ice-cream, and then we would be in a much better place.  I think I will post that recipe as the healthy alternative in another post. But, for today... we are going "there" honey...Fried Cinnamon Apple Rings.....


Fried Cinnamon Apple Rings with Vanilla Ice-cream







Recipe: 



Ingredients
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Vegan version - 1 Tablespoon ground flax seed, equivalent measurement of egg alternative or skip the “egg”   / Not a vegan, use 1 egg
  • Vegan version – 1 cup Coconut, Almond or Soy milk / Not a vegan, use any milk you prefer
  • 4 - 6 apples, sliced crosswise ½ - ¼ inch wide (I like Gala) I washed the apples but I did not remove the skin. There is no rule here.. if you hate the skin, remove it.
  • Coconut oil or vegetable oil for frying  (You can also bake these suckers until golden and crispy see note below)
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • Cinnamon – a lot of cinnamon  :) 
Instructions
  • Slice the apples crosswise into ¼ - ½ inch wide circles then cut “rings” out of the middle of the apple slices using a knife or small round cookie cutter.  If you are feeling really crafty you can use fun shaped small cookie cutters like hearts or stars! 
  • In a bowl mix together flour, baking powder, salt, and a tablespoon of sugar.
  • In a separate bowl, mix together the wet ingredients until they are well combined.
  • Toss the dry ingredients in with the wet and mix well until smooth.
  • In a large deep pan, heat the oil over medium-low heat.
  • Dip the apple rings in the creamy batter until well coated then place the apples in the hot oil.
  • Cook the apples in small batches, turning regularly until completely golden brown.
  • In a bowl or plate combine sugar and cinnamon and mix well, set aside.
  • Place the finished fried apples on a paper towel or a cooling rack to drain.
  • While still hot dip the apples in the cinnamon sugar and coat well.
  • Serve immediately while still hot with your favorite vegan or non-vegan vanilla ice-cream.
  • If you want to get fancy you can drizzle a little caramel sauce over the entire thing! 

*Note:  If you are baking the apple rings, follow all the instructions for mixing the ingredients and coating the apples, then bake them in the oven at 375 degrees for about 15 minutes.  Oven temperatures vary, so I would check and turn the apples as needed.  They are ready when the flour is golden brown and crispy.  Dip them suckers in the cinnamon sugar and… you know the rest!

Enjoy!  


How would you serve your fried cinnamon apple rings?  How would you improve the recipe?  
Share your thoughts in the comments below! 

for the apple rings
  1. 4 large apples (I used gala)
  2. 1 cup flour
  3. ¼ teaspoon baking powder
  4. 2 tablespoons sugar
  5. ¼ teaspoon salt
  6. ⅛ teaspoon cinnamon
  7. 1 large egg, beaten
  8. 1 cup buttermilk
  9. vegetable oil for frying
for the cinnamon sugar topping
  1. ⅓ cup sugar
  2. 2 teaspoons cinnamon
Instructions
  1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, sugar, salt and ⅛ teaspoon cinnamon. Set aside.
  2. In a small bowl combine the egg and buttermilk. In a third dish, make your cinnamon-sugar topping by combining the ⅓ cup sugar and 2 teaspoons cinnamon. Set that aside too.
  3. Next, slice the apples into ¼-inch thick slices, and use circle biscuit cutters in graduated sizes to make rings out of each slice. Discard the center circles containing the apple core.
  4. Pat the apple rings down with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
  5. Heat the oil in a frying pan over medium heat to 350°F.
  6. Combine the contents of the first and second dishes as the oil warms up. This will be your batter.
  7. Dip the apple rings in and out of the batter one at a time, removing any dripping excess by tapping the rings against the side of the bowl.
  8. Fry the rings in small batches, turning them to ensure browning on both sides.
  9. Once the rings are golden and crispy, transfer them to a plate lined with paper towel for a few seconds.
  10. Quickly transfer the apple rings, one by one, into the cinnamon-sugar mixture and coat evenly.
  11. Transfer to a wire rack and serve warm.
Notes
  1. Apples can go a long way in the recipe, so if you don't get to all 4 apples, don't worry. Make as much or as little as you like.
  2. Here's a tip: cool the apple rings on a cooling rack, not on a plate. The heat from the apple rings will cause the plate to get steamy and wet, increasing the odds of soggy apple rings. Keeping the rings on a cooling rack lets the air circulate, keeping the rings crispier for longer.
- See more at: http://fortunegoodies.com/cinnamon-apple-rings/#sthash.wa4cntlc.dpuf

Monday, August 4, 2014

Focus On The Good


Today was pure insanity!  Everything was just crazy, it was one of those days were everything that could go wrong... went wrong. I was tired and irritable, I just wanted to go home climb in the bed and stay there. Its an understatement to say I was having a really bad day!

However, when I got home my day took an entirely different turn. Our youngest daughter showered me in hugs and  kisses. Then, our oldest daughter took me out  to the back yard, she had a surprise for me.  She wanted show me a flower she planted for me while I was gone. She clearly worked very hard and, she was so proud. "Mommy it's your favorite color, red!" She showed me with so much excitement. "Mommy, I wanted to give you something pretty." I love these girls so much I think my heart might explode.

— Feeling thankful.

Tuesday, June 24, 2014

So, This Happened Today!

So, this happened today!

I had the pleasure of meeting the Acting U.S. Surgeon General, Rear Adm. Boris D. Lushniak. He was a speaker at The Health Beyond Health Care Conference held at The Washington Post. Health and Wellness are the spirits by which I live and breathe, so its no strange occurrence that I had the opportunity to meet Adm. Lushniak. I wish I would have had the chance to pick his brain regarding details and specifics about the many health challenges millions of us are facing now and in the future. I am sure his revelations would have been even more of an inspiration beyond this fortunate encounter. The small tidbits he disclosed, and witnessing his thoughts on the future of heath nationally and globally, showed me that the high politics of National Healthcare will soon be at the forefront of our political arena beyond the impasse and gridlock of the current congressional debates.

He was a very passionate speaker and incredibly nice to chat with.  This was definitely a highlight of my week.
Pictured with U.S. Surgeon General, Rear Adm. Boris D. Lushniak

 Details about the conference including video clips can be found below: 

From workplaces, schools and neighborhoods designed to encourage exercise to advertising campaigns promoting healthy foods, the places we live and the information we receive about food and exercise have a profound effect on our well-being.
Architects, a former NFL star, a nun and others spoke at a Washington Post Forum June 18 about efforts outside of traditional health care improving the health of Americans. Join the conversation and watch video highlights from the forum below.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/post-live-live/liveblog/washington-post-live-health-beyond-health-care/



Thursday, June 12, 2014

About Last Night...



So, I don't know if you noticed but, I am having a complete love affair with Fashion to Figure!  This is probably the third outfit I have posted that was purchased from Fashion to Figure.  

Fashion to Figure markets itself as a trendy plus size clothing store and I must say, they are just that. This place is a far cry from the boxy, baggy, unflattering maternal plus size fashion found at most retailers.  At Fashion to Figure they say the focus is on "bringing fashion to the figure" and they deliver.  

Though I have officially grown out of plus sizes, I am still a "curvy" girl and as it turns out, if the cut is just right, I can sometimes, still fit into some of the smaller women's sizes.  Lucky me because I am basically obsessed with this store!   

Let's talk about this epic little black and cobalt blue dress shall we?!  I wore it to a cocktail party during a recent trip to NY and I received compliments all night long.  The dress is nicely cut, the fabric is soft and feels wonderful against my skin. The length is perfect for me, it falls just at the knee and the fitted strapless top and full skirt create a very nice hourglass effect.  I paired it with a matching cardigan and strappy black heels. This is the perfect dress for an evening out on the town. Of course, you can wear the dress alone without a jacket or sweater.  More good news, this dress will transition perfectly into fall, add a pair of tights and a blazer or pull out a leather jacket and some bling to give it a little more edge.   This dress will definitely be spending a lot of time out on the town!  
 

Outfit of the day - Cobalt blue and black strapless dress and matching cardigan - Fashion to Figure


Saturday, June 7, 2014

Playing Dress Up - Summer Fun Day -


I am really excited about this jumper!! If you are a lady under 5ft 5 you understand! I stand just at 5 feet tall and I just happen to love the jumper trend unfortunately, I have had the worst time finding a jumper that would not require major alterations. Due to my challenging relationship with jumpers, I was really in denial about this one. Our 14yo daughter actually picked it out and when I saw it, I fell in love but, I was convinced there was no way it would fit. I was positive the jumper would be too long or too tight or too baggy or some combination of the three so I started to leave it on the rack. Because our daughter just so darn convincing, I tried it on and... it fit perfectly, right off the rack! That never happens! Needless to say I will be wearing the heck out of this jumper all summer long! 

Outfit of the day - Jumper Fashion to Figure

Sunday, May 25, 2014

Playing Dress-up



Acting grown ...   I am really enjoying playing dress-up these days!

 
Outfit of the day:  Shoes Levity. Dress Fashion to Figure.




Thursday, May 8, 2014

I Don't Have My "Face" On ...


Harry::  (Camera in hand) "Photo opp!"
Me:: But, I don't have my "face" on!
Harry:: Looks like you have a face to me! Smile woman!
Me:: Reluctantly flips hair....smiles.

Make up free...  another benefit of going vegan... glowing skin!   Kiss that foundation goodbye!

Photo courtesy of Mr. Harry Hopkins Jr.



Sunday, May 4, 2014

Random Dancing - Isle 4!

Grocery store fun with my daughter/partner in crime!


You can't hear it but that's Janet Jackson Escapade playing in the background, who could resist that?!

Life is a celebration, dance! 

 Random dancing, Isle 4!






Sunday, April 13, 2014

Happy Birthday to me - Celebrating LIFE!







Happy Birthday to me!  Outfit of the day: Super cute jeans from Torrid and the adorable top is from Fashion to Figure.           Faux leather jacket has been in my closet for a while.... not sure where I picked that up. Heels are from Guess.


Yesterday was a most wonderful birthday celebration filled with fun and family!
I can not even begin to count my blessings, ultimately I am just grateful for another day of LIFE!  One very important lesson I have learned on this crazy journey is, don't take one moment for granted!  

Life is a special occasion!   Celebrate!!

XO,

C-

Monday, April 7, 2014

I'm "Unrecognizable" ....



So, apparently I'm "unrecognizable!" Someone I know quite well and have seen often (though it's been a month or so since we last crossed paths) walked right past me, looked right at me and didn't recognize me. When I said hello her response was, Wow! That's crazy! #transformation I'm feeling... amazed. 

After


Before