My children have a love for fruit, and I will never say I have a problem with that or deny them the choice to eat more. I do find a problem with the fact that their favorite fruit is apples, and my son asks to pack apples in his lunchbox all the time! I’ve always told my son “no”, as apples brown fast and it’s not a good option to bring to school. But once I was introduced to Opal Apples, my entire outlook on apples changed.
These apples are a non-GMO crossbreed between Golden Delicious and Topaz apples, and were first cultivated in Europe and the Mediterranean. Opal Apples were brought to the U.S. in 2010 where they are grown exclusively by Broetje Orchards in Washington.
My son and I picked up some Opal Apples at our local grocery store, and headed home to make an easy kid-approved lunch that is perfect to eat at home or school. (Yes, this treat is perfect for lunchboxes!)
I laid out the apples, took out some peanut butter and a few toppings we had on hand, and let my kids get in the kitchen! These Opal Apple Peanut Butter Treats can be made in less than ten minutes, giving your child a short term goal and sense of satisfaction! All I had to do was wash, core and slice the apples, and my son had control over the outcome! (That’s a Mom win!)
Let your child spread peanut butter on an apple ring, then add toppings like chocolate chips, sprinkles, chopped nuts or honey.
These treats can also be made into sandwiches by topping the peanut butter with another apple ring, eliminating the need for bread! (Which is what I do when packing this for the lunchbox, only I wrap in aluminum foil afterwards.) I love that I don’t have to worry about the apple turning brown, nor do I have to worry if my son is eating his lunch – this is a definite way to fill my son’s belly!
Some of the stores that carry them in my area: Sprouts, Albertsons, Walmart, HEB…
Good luck! You will love the taste!