Crisp Apple Chips

       Spice up your weekend with making these beautiful, healthy snacks! Trade the potato for the apple and eat as many as you desire. The process is simple!

       First, preheat your oven to 200F degrees. Using your sharpest knife, slice your favorite apple (I used Pink Lady Apples because they are super flavorful; Granny Smiths would also be another delicious kind) into the thinnest slices possible. *Hint: the thinner your apple slices, the crispier and quicker they'll bake. Cut thicker slices for more flexible chips. Some slices will not be perfect; that's alright! They'll still be beautiful and delicious. Spread the apple slices evenly into one layer on a baking sheet. Feel free to sprinkle some cinnamon and/or sugar on top at this time.

       When your oven has let you know that it's ready, pop them into the oven for about two and a half hours. *Check on them periodically and flip them over when one side looks like it's getting crispy. This baking process can take between 2-3 hours. Let them cool down inside the oven for about half an hour after they are crispy enough; this will allow them to get even crunchier.

       Upon taking them out of the oven, I sprinkled some more cinnamon on top. Cinnamon is a wonder in itself. Not only does it boost the metabolism, but it also can lower blood sugar levels, reduce heart disease risk factors, and is used to treat muscle spasms, nausea, and common cold. Apples, too, are nature's remedies. They don't say "an apple a day will keep the doctor away" for nothing! Apples are extremely rich in antioxidants and dietary fiber. In addition to this, apples also help maintain whiter teeth, fight the effects of an aging brain (like Alzheimer's Disease), protect against Parkinson's, help detox your liver, and more! And to get all of this in a chip? Impressive, I know.

       Once you have one, you'll find yourself addicted! These apple chips satisfy that "crunch" craving while still keeping you on a healthy track. Pair them with a caramel dipping sauce on a fancy occasion, or with peanut butter for a much-needed energy boost during the day. Bake them in bulk and snack on them anywhere, anytime. You'll enjoy them so much, you won't want to share!