Lunch: Apple Turnover

This recipe includes superfoods such as:

Cinnamon, Honey, Apples

Health benefits of Apple Turnover

Cinnamon is one of the best ingredients that someone with insulin sensitivity can eat. Half a teaspoon of cinnamon per day has been shown to be very effective at normalizing blood sugar levels. Cinnamon contains hydroxychalcone, which is thought to enhance the effects of insulin. It has also been suggested that Cinnamon prevents post-meal blood sugar spikes by slowing the gastric emptying rate - meaning that food digests slowly. (Reference: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11506060).

Honey, often hailed as a superfood, possesses a wealth of nutritional benefits that make it a valuable addition to a balanced diet. With a glycemic index (GI) of 55 for one tablespoon, honey is considered a moderate GI food. This means it does not spike blood sugar levels as high or as quickly as high-GI foods, making it a better choice for maintaining steady energy levels and supporting overall health.

Rich in antioxidants, including phenolic acids and flavonoids, honey offers protective benefits against oxidative stress and inflammation. These antioxidants can help combat the damage caused by free radicals, which are linked to chronic conditions such as heart disease and cancer. Furthermore, the natural sugars in honey can provide a quick energy boost, making it an excellent option for a pre-workout snack or a natural sweetener in beverages and meals.

Honey's benefits extend beyond its nutritional profile. Its antimicrobial properties make it a natural remedy for wounds and burns, promoting healing by providing a moist environment and acting as a barrier to infection. Additionally, honey has been used for centuries to soothe sore throats and coughs, thanks to its ability to coat the throat and reduce irritation.

However, it's important to consume honey in moderation. While it is a healthier alternative to refined sugar, it is still a form of sugar and can contribute to weight gain and other health issues if consumed in large amounts. For individuals with diabetes or those monitoring their blood sugar levels, it's crucial to account for honey's GI and its effects on blood sugar.

Choosing raw, unprocessed honey can also maximize its health benefits. Raw honey is more likely to retain its antioxidants and other beneficial compounds that can be lost during processing. Incorporating honey into your diet can be as simple as adding it to yogurt, drizzling it over oatmeal, or blending it into smoothies. Its natural sweetness and health-promoting properties make honey a superfood worth including in a healthy, balanced diet.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons/45ml butter
3 tablespoons/45ml brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon/2ml cinnamon
6 apples, such as Honeycrisp, Cortland, Spartan or Empire, peeled, halved, cored and cut into 1/2-inch cubes (about 3 cups)

Instructions

For the apple filling: Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the brown sugar, cinnamon and apples and cook until the apples are caramelized and have started to soften, 10 to 15 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and let cool, then keep in the refrigerator.
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
For the turnover: Roll out the puff pastry to 10 by 10-inch square with a 1/8-inch (3mm) thickness on a lightly floured surface. Transfer to a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spoon the apple filling over half the pastry, leaving a border around the edge. Beat the eggs with 1 teaspoon water for the egg wash. Brush the edges of the pastry lightly with some of the egg wash. Fold the pastry over the filling to form a triangle. Press the edges to seal and enclose the filling completely, then press with the back of a fork to make a tight seal. Using a small knife, cut two 1/2-inch-long slits in the top of the crust. Brush the top with the egg wash.
Bake the turnover until the crust is puffed and golden and the juices are bubbling through the slits in the crust, about 25 minutes.
Sprinkle the turnover with the confectioners' sugar. Turn the oven to broil, and cook until the sugar is caramelized, watching it closely so it doesn't burn. This will give the turnover a browned crust. Carefully run a metal spatula under the turnover to loosen and transfer to a wire rack to cool slightly.
To serve, cut the turnover into wedges and serve warm with a dollop of cheese, yogurt or ice cream.

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