Welcome to the first Fresh Friday post! Every Friday, I’ll highlight one of the freshest fruits or vegetables in the market, and show you two fast and healthy ways to prepare it.

This week: Gala Apples

Recipes: A single-serve no-bake baked apple & a nut butter snack plate

A healthy snack that tastes like apple pie…so…yeah you should go ahead and make that.

Gala apples are at their best right now. Their sweetest, juiciest, crunchiest best. To celebrate Gala season, I’ve got two crazy easy ways to enjoy them. Without an oven. Or added sugar. And you only need 4 minutes to get them ready. That’s less than five minutes! Go get yourself some Galas!

1) No-Bake Baked Apple (Forget the oven, all you need is 2 minutes in the microwave. A satisfying snack but naturally sweet enough for dessert)

Serves: 1    Time: Less than 5 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 Gala apple, cut into 8 wedges
• Dash of cinnamon
• Handful of halved walnuts (about 1/4 cup)
• 1 date, chopped
• ~3 ounces of plain Greek yogurt* (half of a single-serve container)

Directions:

1. Microwave the apple wedges for 2 minutes on high
2. Sprinkle a dash of cinnamon on the apples
3. Spoon the yogurt over the apple-cinnamon combo
4. Sprinkle walnuts and dates on top

*I love the flavor and richness of 2% Greek yogurt, and the amount of fat helps the dish feel decadent and filling. Feel free to use  whatever fits best into your daily diet. For help choosing the healthiest yogurt, see my recommendations on ABC News for Health Magazine.

2) Gala Apple Snack Plate

A snack plate looks like more food than individual pieces, and you can’t overdo the PB since it’s pre-portioned

Serves 1   Time: Less than 5 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 Gala apple, cut into 8 wedges
• 2 tablespoons of nut butter (I used Justin’s Maple Almond Butter)
• Handful of raisins (about 1/8 cup)

Directions:

1. Assemble the apple slices, nut butter and raisins on a plate

Celebrate Gala Season TWO Ways!

Stay tuned for Bartlett pears next Friday!