PG tested

It's not apple pie, but hey, you can't eat like Paula Deen everyday. This offers a rich, sweet taste with 6 grams of fiber and only 5 grams of fat. The American Institute for Cancer Research sent this to us, saying that the quick-cooking in a microwave preserves water-soluble nutrients such as vitamin C and folate.

-- Margi Shrum

• 1 Gala or Braeburn apple
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar, divided
• 2 teaspoons firmly packed brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 4 1/2-inch thick slices whole wheat Italian bread, cut diagonally (I used regular whole wheat)
• 4 teaspoons butter

Peel and core apple. Cut in half vertically. Place each half cut side down on a work surface and cut crosswise into even 1/8-inch thick slices. Keep slices together in the shape of an apple.

Set cut apple halves on small, microwaveable plate, still holding slices together.

Sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar over each half and cover plate loosely with wax paper.

Place plate in microwave, keeping paper tucked under plate, and microwave, about 45 seconds.

Remove and let apple slices sit covered for 5 minutes. Uncover and cool to room temperature.

Meanwhile, in small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon.

Toast bread for crostini. Spread each slice of toast with 1 teaspoon butter and sprinkle one-fourth of cinnamon sugar evenly over each. Cover bread with apples, placed diagonally.

Serve immediately.

Makes 4 servings.

-- The American Institute for Cancer Research