Saying no. Sometimes this is the only thing to do. E (my 7 year old) was home with a bit of a flu this week. He has actually been lying on the couch whining and whimpering for several days. Today was the first day he felt better and he asked me to make him an apple crisp, which I gladly obliged.

However, when he asked if he could help me prepare it, I told him, "No, people who are not feeling well get to rest and not put their little paws in other people's food." I had paused for a moment before this, considering his request, as baking with my children is one of my favorite activities in the world.

Sometimes we all need to slow down --saying no can be the best way to say yes. My encounter with E reminded me of this. Of the need for boundaries, quiet and rejuvenation. This can be especially true in the winter when we want to go inside and hibernate for a few months.

On another note, I have found that we really are of no use to others unless we take care of ourselves. Hence, the old airline adage --put on your own oxygen mask first, before helping others. This is what I was modeling for my son, saying yes, by saying no.

Apple Crisp
2 cups blanched almond flour
½ teaspoon celtic sea salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon nutmeg
½ cup grapeseed oil
¼ cup agave nectar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
5 medium apples, peeled, sliced, then chop slices in half width-wise

1. In a large bowl, combine almond flour, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg
2. In a smaller bowl, combine oil, agave and vanilla
3. Stir wet ingredients into dry
4. Place apples in a 2-3 quart glass baking dish (a pyrex bowl or an 8x8 square)
5. Sprinkle topping over the apples
6. Cover and bake at 350 degrees for 50 minutes on low rack
7. When apples are soft and their juices bubble, remove cover and bake 10 more minutes to brown crisp
8. Serve warm

This gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan apple crisp is great all year round, though especially soothing in fall and winter. One of my family favorites, children seem to love this healthy dessert dish --my boys and their friends gobble it up time after time.

If you liked this gluten-free recipe, please visit elanaspantry.com for more simple and satisfying recipes everyone can enjoy.

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