baked apple chips

I grabbed a big bag of apples this week, and for a few reasons {namely tight fitting pants}, needed to use them up without involving a stick of butter {I'm talking to you: French Apple Pie, Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars, and Apple Pie Cookies}. And yes, I realize you can eat an apple without altering it at all, but what's the fun in that? 

My solution? Baked Apple Crisps. With just three ingredients, none of which were butter, these were the perfect subtly sweet afternoon snack! I especially like the way they look - rustic and simple. With their speckles of cinnamon, and star shaped center, they are pretty enough to be plated on this antique gold edged plate. Just be sure to set aside enough time - these chips take a while to bake to a crisp. 

Here's what you'll need... 

3 apples {I used honey-crisp} sliced thin with a knife or mandolin 

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 teaspoon sugar 

Here's what to do... 

Preheat oven to 200 degrees. 

Toss sliced apples in cinnamon and sugar in a large bowl until evenly coated. 

Line apples on baking sheet lined with parchment paper, being sure not to let apples overlap. 

Bake for 2 hours until apples have lost all of their moisture. Apples will crisp even more as they cool. 

Note: a few of my apples burned on the edges because I got impatient and turned up the heat a bit towards the end. I will say, while this wasn't planned, I didn't mind the slightly charred taste that this added. If you don't like that taste, I would advise to not turn the heat up and practice the art of patience!

P.S. Thanks to all who entered the Smitten Kitchen cookbook giveaway! If you haven't entered, you still have two days. A winner will be chosen on Friday so enter now.