How to Make Apple Noodles

When I was growing up, a popular item in our kitchen was our apple peeler-spiralizer gadget. As kids, we got to use our muscles to spin that apple round and round and watch it peel, cut and core all at once. It was a magical thing that we loved doing. After “oohing” and “ahhing” over what it could do, we would try to sneak in a couple bites of those perfectly thin pieces of apple to satisfy our sweet tooth and as a prize for our hard work.

We used the spiralized apple pieces for so many things, like toppings on salads, in slaws, and folded into muffins and fritters. My personal favorite way to enjoy apple noodles was to sprinkle them on top of a Dutch Baby with powdered sugar and maple syrup. It was a rare and special treat that we enjoyed for Sunday breakfast and a tradition I try to continue on occasion with my own family today.

These days, there are so many spiralizers on the market that have modernized that gadget I grew up with, which makes playing with food so much more fun as an adult. Whether you have a handheld one (like the “Veggetti”) or a more durable one with a crank, here are some tips and tricks to make apple “noodles:”

Five Tips for Spiralizing Apples:

1. Variety Selection: Choose a thin-skinned apple variety like Golden Delicious, Gala, or Pinata. This is especially important if using a handheld spiralizer. Thicker skinned apples seem to break apart in handheld spiralizers.
2. Prep: Wash your apple, remove the stem and determine how you’ll cut the apple for spiralizing. This video uses a Veggetti to spiralize by hand and it was best to have the apples in wedges when spiralizing.
3. Select: Most spiralizers come with a couple settings or attachment blades. Determine if you want thick “curly fries” or thin “angel hair” noodles.
4. Place: Insert the apple on to the spiralizer ensuring that it’s centered on the teeth; this will make the most even apple noodles.
5. Crank or Turn: Now is the fun part! Start turning your spiralizer and ensure to keep even pressure on the blades while you crank. If you are using a handheld spiralizer, stick a fork in the apple and turn the fork clockwise. It’s the easiest way to keep your fingers out of the cutting process. Viola! Apple noodles!

Now it’s time to put those apple noodles to good use. Apple noodles are the perfect topper to salads, to sweeten up a raw, veggie-filled slaw, or to crisp up by baking with cinnamon into apple curly fries. The options are endless and it’s a great way to mix up the way you enjoy apples and enhance your plated presentation. Try this recipe for starters:

Simple Spiralized Apple and Blue Cheese Salad

Serves 1

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: None

Total Time: 5 minutes

Level of Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients:

• 1 medium Stemilt Gala apple
• 2 cups of mixed greens (spring mix)
• 1 tablespoon Blue cheese or Gorgonzola crumbles
• 1 tablespoon candied pecans
• Balsamic vinaigrette or try this homemade apple vinaigrette

Directions:

1. Spiralize apples. See video above for tutorial.
2. In a salad bowl, add greens, then blue cheese, pecans and finally, apple noodles.
3. Top with dressing or serve on the side. Enjoy!