“And when you crush an apple with your teeth, say to it in your heart:
Your seeds shall live in my body,
And the buds of your tomorrow shall blossom in my heart,
And your fragrance shall be my breath,
And together we shall rejoice through all the seasons.”
~ Kahlil Gibran
Beautiful…
So by the time we get to Valentine’s Day, the sweet little apple is still coming down from its big show in the fall. With flannel pj’s, hot cocoa, favorite books, and remote in hand, it’s ready to brave the winter from a quiet cozy sleepy spot.
Until today.
I am waking this sleepy little babe for the purpose of Valentine’s Day – to show it – and the world – that it can be just as popular as the chocolate covered strawberry and sweet raspberries prepared every which way.
Today the apple will join its rougey-colored compadres and share its spotlight with Nutty Apple Dip.
While reading the newspaper a few weeks ago, I stumbled upon a fun little recipe called Applepalooza by Adam Harvey. Luckily, I stored the idea for it in the back of my head because as I was planning for Valentine’s Day, it came flooding forward. So happy it did!
If you’re anything like I am – you love peanut butter – crunchy peanut butter, and this dip takes us there. Actually, beyond there. It takes us to a whole new level of peanut-ty goodness with an extra special flavor boost derived from brown sugar, honey, vanilla and cream cheese. I’ve modified the ingredients slightly, going for a more peanut-ty flavor than the original.
This is a great little recipe to have on hand as it’s as simple as delivering everything to a food processor, except the apples, and whirring up a yummy treat that will make everyone happy.
And isn’t that what this day is all about?
Sweet and crunchy with savory undertones…this is a dip made for sharing.
Buon Appetito!
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Nutty Apple Dip
- Category: Dessert
Ingredients
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar
- 2 Tbsp. vanilla
- 2 – 3 ounces chopped dry roasted peanuts
- 1 Tbsp. honey
- 2 lbs. sliced apples
Instructions
- Purée the first five items in a food processor until completely combined.
- Place in a serving bowl.
- Core apples and cut into wedges.
- Serve dip with sliced apples.
Ciao!
OMG!! I’m a huge fan of apple butter, so this is right up my alley! It just doesn’t get better than throwing everything in a food processor and voila…deliciousness. Cool idea Annie
Thanks, Christine! It’s good stuff 🙂
How have I made it this far in life without making an apple dip? Thank the higher power that I stumbled across your blog. 🙂
hahah! Thank goodness… you have found it just in time! I think you’ll really like it! 🙂
You know I can’t stop, won’t stop eating peanut butter! This dip sounds lick the bowl clean good.
You and me both!! And it is lick the bowl clean good!! Thanks, Joanne!
Love this dip Annie, especially to keep in the fridge at work. When 2pm strikes I’ll be ready 🙂
Oh yeah! It’s perfect for those afternoon hunger pangs! Thanks, Kathy!
I love recipes made for snacking, and it might be weird but this sounds so good for breakfast!
Thanks, Kari! Haha! I say YES to breakfast!
What a delicious and healthy snack this dip would make. I definitely can see myself making the recipe – thanks for the idea Annie!
Thank you, Thalia!!
I could snack on that all day! Also it’s a great way to make kids (or my husband) eat more fruits!
Absolutely!! My hubby loved it! Thanks, Olivia!
What a genius idea, Annie! Apples and nuts are a perfect combination, of course, so why not make a peanuty dip for apples? Love this idea … love your beautiful photos, too!
Thank you so much, Helen! It’s a nice little snack any time of the day, or year, for that matter! 😉
Annie, this just might be the best afternoon snack ever. Yup. Big peanut butter lovers here. And apples are so good for you! Thanks for sharing this dip with us.
Nice little snack for you and your little ladies! Thanks, Laura!
This dip sounds so delicious. Annie! I don’t think apples get enough love on Valentine’s Day, but they definitely should. Especially with some of this dip! Pinned 🙂
They definitely do not! Thanks, Danielle! 🙂
I am a huge fan of dip and love the apple nut flavor! I would eat this dip any time of the year!
Thank you, Ashley!
I love this dip! Who says strawberries should have all the fun! The apples and peanut butter combination sound perfect!
Haha! My sentiments, exactly! Thanks, Kelly!
This sounds delicious!!
Thanks so much, Trish!
Yum! We love dipping our apples, and my kids would gobble this up. Your photos are beautiful!
It’s a fun little treat! Thank you so much, Andrea!!
Wow sounds fantastic Annie! I love dips like these, they are so easy to put together plus taste awesome! I will take a bowl full of this please! 😀
Thank you so much, Manali!! I wish I could send you a bowl! 🙂
Definitely want to try this, Annie. Sometimes peanut butter is too heavy for me – but this is a great idea to lighten it up. This would be great on toast in the morning!
Mmm – this would be great on toast. Thanks for that idea, Geraldine!
This dip looks creamy and delicious, perfect for Valentine’s day! Who said you should only have chocolate covered berries? This is a great alternative, I love apples!
Exactly! There are only so many chocolate covered berries we can eat until we’re ready for peanut butter and apples! Thanks, Mira!
Annie, I love dips like this!!! A whole new level of peanut-ty goodness??!!! WANT this dip! perfect for snacking. . love this!
Thanks, Alice! Can’t have too many simple dips like this! Can we??
This apple dip looks amazing, Annie! I love your creative twist with the peanuts. This spread sounds so delicious! Gorgeous pictures, too!
Thanks, Gayle! It’s a nice little dip!
Oh this sounds fabulous! A really nice change from the same same, simple, still delicious, humble peanut butter. I love how easy this is to whip up and it makes the every day, regular peanut butter seem a bit more inspired! Pink Lady apples just came into season a few weeks ago, and although they’re not my favorite fall apple, they’re still fresh and crisp. Love your photography and styling too…. the sweet one with the chalkboard heart… beautiful, Annie! Thank you!
Thank you so much, Traci! So true – it’s very difficult to improve upon peanut butter – but every once in a while – a few embellishments never hurt!