• 1 tablespoon canola oil
• 1 large yellow onion, peeled and finely diced
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 medium bay leaf
• 2 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored and finely diced
• 1 cup dried French Green Lentils
• 2 cups chicken stock

Apple Crisps (recipe follows)

Curried Yogurt (recipe follows)

In saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until soft, about 4 minutes. Add garam masala, bay leaf and apples, and cook, stirring continuously, for 2 more minutes. Add lentils and stock and bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Reduce to a simmer and cook for about 25 minutes or until the lentils are tender, being careful not to overcook them. Remove the pan from the heat, remove the bay leaf, and adjust seasoning to taste.

Serve the lentils hot in one large serving bowl. Serve the yogurt and apple crisps separately and invite diners to combine all three components to their personal taste. Four appetizer or two main course servings.

Apple Crisps

• 1 tablespoon confectioner's sugar
• Juice of 2 lemons
• 2 Granny Smith apples, peeled and cored

Preheat the oven to its lowest setting.

In a small bowl, dissolve the sugar in the lemon juice. Thinly slice the apples horizontally into round approximately 1/16" thick. Lay the apple slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and brush lightly with the sugared lemon juice. Place the baking sheet in the oven and allow the apples to dry, about 3 to 4 hours or overnight.

Remove the baking sheet from the oven and gently peel the apple slices from the paper. (Some discoloration of the apple slices will occur.) Store in an airtight container until ready to use. They will last for 2 days in the refrigerator.

Curried Yogurt

• 1 tablespoon curry powder or garam masala
• 1 banana, peeled and finely diced
• 2 cups plain yogurt

Heat a small nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the curry powder and toast until you can smell its intense aroma, about 30 seconds. Remove pan from heat. Combine curry powder with the banana and yogurt in a serving bowl, stirring well. Refrigerate until ready to sue. Makes 2 cups.