Only a little bit…

It seems like everyday I am faced with an important decision: to eat the cupcake/pie/brownie/(insert yummy dessert name here) or not to. Most of the time I spend an unessecary amount of time staring down the offending sweet in hopes my desire will be satisifed by a simple look which is then followed by intense mental negotiating regarding the amount i am about to consume with how much more im willing to workout. Once I finally cave in I often am guilty of saying “only a little bit…”

Needless to say I’m a BIG fan of miniature desserts. This way I feel like I am better able to exercise portion control and feel less guilty because it’s so small. How much harm can such a cute little dessert be?? 😉

One of my favorites is miniature apple pies. The warm cinnamon coated apples with just the right amount of crust is delicious! It’s always a hit and can be easily whipped up for any event or bake sale. Enjoy!

Miniature Apple Pies

Yields: Approximately 30 pieces

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 15-20 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 unbaked 10-inch pastry shells (can be homemade or have Pillsbury help you out)
• 5 Granny Smith Apples cored and diced
• 1 Tb Unbleached Flour
• 1 Tb Ground Cinnamon plus extra for sprinkling at the end
• 2 Tb Organic Sugar
• 1/4 tsp Freshly Grated Nutmeg
• 1/4 Cup Melted Unsalted butter

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees
2. Grease minature muffin pan/s
3. Roll out pie shell on well floured surface to 1/4 inch thick
4. Using a floured 3 inch Biscuit cutter you should be able to cut about 30 rounds out of the pie shells
5. Place each round in the crevices of the miniature muffin pan creating shells and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until slightly brown (watch carefully). Transfer to cooling rack to fill.
6. As the pie shells are baking place apples, cinnamon, nutmeg, sugar, and butter in sauce pan on stove on medium heat. Stir occasionally and heat until apples are moderately softened.
7. Place about 1 Tb. of apple mixture in baked pie shells
8. Sprinkle extra cinnamon on top of each miniature apple pie. Can be served immedaitely or at room temperature.