I am finally getting used to the idea of fall. I may even be a teensy weensy bit excited about it. Normally I do look forward to each season by the time it hits, but  this year it has been a bit of a struggle. The colors are now starting to change, a cool refreshing breeze is in the air and people are getting into their kitchens and baking up a storm, myself included. So, what is there not to get excited about, right?

Whenever I think of fall, I think of school. And, whenever I think of school, I think of apples. How cliche is that? You would think I would think of apples merely because they are in season. I never gave my teachers any apples growing up and it wasn”t even my favourite fruit to bring in my lunch box. That really goes to show how much we are affected by “propaganda.” As a general rule a great way to get kids to eat their fruits and veggies is to make them fun. And, most fruits and veggies are easy to cut into different shapes to trick kids into thinking that it is actually enjoyable to eat them. So far my son has no trouble eating anything and everything under the sun, he even ate these Indian Dosas with a smile on his face. I am thinking that I may not have to try too hard with him. But, that doesn”t mean that I won”t be making these apples just for fun.

These Puzzle Apples would be great to put in your child”s lunchbox. They might possibly even be quite proud to show these off to their friends. Which means extra points for Mom (or Dad). They will get a little brown but if you sprinkle them with lemon juice it should help the oxidization to slow down. Placing the apple back together after cutting and wrapping in seran wrap should help slow down the browning as well. So how do you make these browning beauties you ask? Here”s the lowdown:

I am finally getting used to the idea of fall. I may even be a teensy weensy bit excited about it. Normally I do look forward to each season by the time it hits, but  this year it has been a bit of a struggle. The colors are now starting to change, a cool refreshing breeze in the air and people are getting into their kitchens and baking up a storm, myself included. So, what is there not to get excited about? right

Whenever I think of fall, I think of school. And, whenever I think of school, I think of apples. How cliche is that? You would think I would think of apples merely because they are in season. I never gave my teachers any apples growing up and it wasn”t even my favourite fruit to bring in my lunch box. That really goes to show how much we are affected by “propaganda.” As a general rule a great way to get kids to eat their fruits and veggies is to make them fun. And, most fruits and veggies are easy to cut into different shapes to trick kids into thinking that it is actually enjoyable to eat them. So far my son has no trouble eating anything and everything under the sun, he even ate these Indian Dosas with a smile on his face. I am thinking that I may not have to try too hard with him. But, that doesn”t mean that I still make these apples just for fun.

These Puzzle Apples would be great to put in your child”s lunchbox. They might possibly even be quite proud to show these off to their friends. Which means extra points for Mom (or Dad). They will get a little brown but if you sprinkle them with lemon juice it should help the oxidation to slow down. Placing the apple back together after cutting and wrapping in seran wrap should help slow down the browning as well. So how do you make these browning beauties you ask? Here”s the lowdown:

Using a pairing knife make one cut from the stem halfway down the apple. Turn the apple a 1/4 turn and cut again at a 90 degree angle from the first cut, making sure to go only half way down the apple.

Puzzle Apple Top

Turn the apple over and making sure that the cuts are on the exact opposite side of the top, repeat the cutting process.

Puzzle Apple Bottom

Turn the apple on it”s side and connect two of the cuts through the centre, cutting horizontally across the apple, making sure to go right through to the middle of the apple.  Skip one space and repeat on opposite side.

Puzzle Apple Side

Pull the apple apart gently. If there is any resistance go over the cuts again with your pairing knife making sure all the cuts go right through to the centre of the apple. Finito!

Puzzle Apple Complete

What is your favourite way to get kids to eat their fruits and veggies?