Simple Saturday Apple Dumpling Recipe

It's Saturday and I feel like doing anything besides school work. I need to be productive, but for some reason I'm not feeling it. The weather is cold, overcast, and lazy, and sigh, my mood is mimicking the weather. I wouldn't mind curling up in bed and watching Bridesmaids. But, sadly, I don't own Bridesmaids, so my next procrastination option is to bake. Early this week, I made my Twist on an Egg Salad and thought to myself...hmm, this tortilla shell would be even more perfect if  filled with a gooey hot cinnamon apple filling. 

Hark, the apple dumpling was born.

         What you'll need:

• Apple (I used a Gala because they're yummy)
• Large wheat tortilla
• Plain apple sauce
• Cinnamon
• Small glass bowl
• Vanilla ice cream/Kool-Whip

Form the tortilla to the glass bowl to create a shell. Add a 1/2 cup of apple sauce and sprinkle with cinnamon. Cut up the apple into small chunks and mix into the applesauce. This will make a simple filling. 


Tip: to make the shell more dumpling-esque, fold over the edges and secure together with toothpick.

Preheat the oven to 350 and cook dumpling for about 20 minutes but watch carefully to avoid a burnt and sad dumpling. Those are the worst kind. Bake until the tortilla is crispy and apples are soft. 

Warning: the applesauce mixture will be hot post oven so let cool before you dig in face-first.

Bam. 

Top off with some vanilla ice cream or Kool-Whip, and you have yourself a sweet and healthy treat that'll satisfy your pre-Thanksgiving sweet tooth!

 Enjoy!

My Ode to Only 8

 
Summer is the time of the year for sun, fun, and ice cream. I love ice cream, but it doesn't love me back. I've tried to fight it, but the frozen custard always triumphs in success while I cry with tummy troubles. Luckily, my summers became brighter; my skies bluer; and my body happier all with one discovery: Only 8. Like O'Soy, Only 8 has been a delicious answer to my prayers.

This isn't a pity post about my lactose intolerant-ism (I'm proud of who I am, thank you), but a recommendation to all health conscious individuals who succumb to their monstrous sweet tooth. Only 8 is a low-fat, low-calorie, low carb, glucose-free, cholesterol-free, lactose-free, and diabetic friendly frozen yogurt. With only 32 calories per half cup, this treat also instantly becomes guilt-free. The name comes from its "only 8" ingredients: Water, Fructose, Grade A Kosher Whey, Whey Protein Concentrate, Maltodextrin, Natural Flavorings & Stabilizers, Calcium, and Active Yogurt Cultures (4 different kinds).

 As of now, Only 8 just offers a few basic flavors (I've had chocolate, vanilla, and peanut butter), so it's not as bedazzled as a scoop of Moose Tracks or Mint-Ting-A-Ling, but (and don't get me wrong) it's pretty darn tasty for a delicious and healthy alternative. And I'm willing to bet, if I was to conduct a taste test between regular vanilla soft-serve with hot fudge and nuts vs. vanilla Only 8 with hot fudge and nuts...it'd be a close call. Plus Only 8 will save you probably at least 200 calories! I'm sold, especially since I can get it with rainbow sprinkles, cha-ching.


The only thing I've been disappointed in, is how uncommon Only 8 is; it is so hard to find an Only 8 vendor! Luckily the ice cream place down the my street offers it, but it's surprising when healthier alternatives are increasing in popularity. Yes, I know when an individual craves ice cream, he or she is not usually thinking how many calories are in my triple mocha fudge swirled milkshake? or will this large sundae with whipped cream, hot fudge, nuts, sprinkles and a cherry on top go to my thighs?, but it's nice to have healthier options when welcomed. I recommend trying Only 8 if given the opportunity, your taste buds and waist line will thank you.