Brianna's Inspiration
This is a definite crowd pleaser! Don't be intimidated by the fancy presentation — it is actually quite easy and fun to make. My husband always loved his mother's apple pie, and I was inspired to recreate something similar that would not only taste good but would also nourish the body.
Something I find so interesting about eating a plant-based diet is when you come across those ingredients that resemble the part of the body they are traditionally associated with. For instance, the crust for this recipe contains walnuts — when you look at a whole de-shelled walnut it has a similar shape to the brain, a right and left hemisphere if you will, and contains folds that look like lobes. The crust is also spiked with Chaga. Chaga is a nutrient-dense mushroom that grows on the bark of Birch trees and has been traditionally valued for centuries across Siberia and Northern Europe. I topped the recipe off with Pearl powder, which gives it the look of dusted powdered sugar. Pearl is one of my favorite beauty ingredients — traditionally used in Chinese beauty rituals for the appearance of clear, glowing skin.
(A spoonful of Chaga mushroom)
Ingredients(equipment needed) Vitamix or food processor, mandolin, cupcake baking tray, small mesh strainer, plastic wrap Crust
1 cup walnuts 1/4 cup coconut oil (melted) 1/4 cup ground flax seed 1 tbsp. Chaga Mushroom 2 dates · 1/2 tsp. cinnamon · pinch of sea salt Apple Rose
1 fuji apple 1 cup boiling water 1 tbsp. lime juice 1 tbsp. honey 1 tbsp. rose petals (optional) 1/4 tsp. Sun Potion Pearl (for dusting) |
MethodBlend all of the ingredients for the crust in a Vitamix or food processor until dough-like in consistency Place a sheet of plastic wrap over the cupcake mold Scoop a generous spoonful of crust into the mold and use your fingers to press it into the bottom (it should be about 1/4 inch thick) Leave on the counter Cut the apple into quarters and slice out the core Use a mandolin to shave the apple by placing the flat side of the flesh on the mandolin (the pieces should look like an oval half moon with a thin rim of peel — you will need about half the apple) Place the shaved apple in a bowl and cover with boiling water, lime juice, honey and rose petals. The apple will soften in about 20 minutes Overlap the apples in one long line. As you place one piece down, the next is layered about halfway over the bottom piece. The line of apples will need to be 10-12 inches long Starting at one end, begin to roll. Once rolled, if you set the apple with the skin facing up, it will look like a rose Make a hole in the center of the crust, place the base of the apple rose in the hole and gently press it in Refrigerate for 45 minutes. The plastic wrap will help remove the tarts from the tray Place on the center of a dish. Put 1/4 teaspoon Pearl in the strainer and dust the tart You can dress it up with some of the rose petals you have left over |
ENJOY!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a mandolin?
It is the easiest way to get slices thin enough to roll. A very sharp knife and a steady hand will work, but the slices must be paper-thin or they will crack when rolled.
Which apple works best?
Fuji, as written — firm enough to hold its shape and red-skinned, which is what gives the rose its colour. Pink Lady and Gala also work.
Is this tart baked?
No. The crust is raw and set in the fridge; the apple slices are softened in hot water rather than cooked.
What do Chaga and Pearl add?
Chaga brings an earthy, almost coffee-like depth to the walnut crust, and Pearl dusts on like powdered sugar — traditionally valued in beauty rituals.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
