In one study completed by the USDA Human Nutrition Research Center, scientists were amazed to find that volunteers who had eaten apple pie did not experience the expected large rise in their blood sugar levels.  This was attributed to the cinnamon in the pie, which is known to help keep blood sugar stable.  We’ve put together this recipe without the normal refined sugars and white flour that most apple pie recipes call for, and have added a healthy dose of cinnamon to battle skyrocketing blood sugar.  Enjoy!

Apple Pie

Pie Crust

• ¾ cup rice flour
• 1 teaspoon honey
• ¼ tsp sea salt
• ½ teaspoon cornstarch
• 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons cold water

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 350°.
2. Stir dry ingredients together, making sure cornstarch is evenly distributed.
3. Cut in olive oil and add honey.
4. Add cold water a little at a time until a ball is formed.
5. Roll dough to 1/8″ thickness between two sheets of aluminum foil. Peel top sheet of foil off, and invert dough onto a 9″ pie pan.
6. Peel off other foil sheet. Prick dough with fork, and bake at 350° for 15 minutes until brown.

Pie Filling

• 2 cups firm, tart apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
• 1/3 cup raisins (optional)
• 4 large eggs
• ½ cup agave nectar
• 1 cup plain low-fat or nonfat yogurt
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 375°.
2. Spread apples and raisins evenly in unbaked pie shell.
3. In a blender, combine the eggs, agave syrup, yogurt, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt, and blend until creamy.
4. Pour this custard over the apples and bake for about 1 hour, or until set. Allow to cool before serving.

What other ways do you incorporate cinnamon into your diet?