Apple Pecan Torte (grain free)

“An Old-Fashioned Dessert from Southern New Mexico” (source unknown)

One day I received via the USPS a plain envelope with only a recipe card tucked inside – for Apple Pecan Torte. It came from our dear, sweet friend Malcolm….and he is indeed sweet, through and through. This man also possesses the biggest sweet tooth known to this planet, lending proof to the saying “you are what you eat”. I don’t think he’s even capable of having a meal without dessert! Last time we traveled with him, the catch-phase of the trip became “Do you have Pie?”, and you must pronounce “pie” as “Piiiiiiiiii” with a slow drawl, as Malcolm is Mississippi born and bred.

Since Malcolm will be visiting with us again soon, I can only assume that this mailing must be a request for me to provide him with this torte. I’m not sure he knows yet that we have gone gluten-free, and it’s sure to come as a big shock. Hopefully I will be able to sooth his sweets addiction with treats such as Molten Chocolate Cakes and Carrot Cake with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting…and this adaptation of Apple Pecan Torte. Malcolm, this one’s for you!

Ingredients:

4 cups diced, unpeeled tart apples
1/3 cup coconut palm sugar
1/2 cup almond flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 cup coarsely chopped pecans
2 tablespoons melted butter (pastured)
1 egg, lightly beaten
1/4 cup maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla

Preheat oven to 400F. Generously butter a 8″ square baking dish.

Mix together the sugar, flour, baking powder, and cinnamon; combine with the apples.

Melt butter and allow to cool slightly. Mix butter, maple syrup, vanilla, and egg until well blended. Add with the pecans to the apple mixture. Stir thoroughly.

Pour into greased baking dish and bake 35-40 minutes or until apples are tender. Serve hot or cold, with cream or ice cream – or just by itself!

Looking forward to seeing Malcolm soon! Alas, he won’t be driving his Harley, but I’m sure he’ll make do. Here’s some suggestions for him when he takes another road trip. Have to start with the biker national anthem, “Born To Be Wild” on Steppenwolf: All Time Greatest Hits.