Apple Crisp

I like apples, but I really like (would I dare say, love) apples in juicy pies, cakes and crisps.  Now, that's real comfort.  Apple Crisp is one of the easiest of the apple desserts to make as it doesn't take much baking skill to turn out a lovely, fragrant and mouth-watering dessert worthy of not only the family table but it's company approved as well.   Who doesn't like a warm, cinnamon flavoured apple crisp topped with a scoop of melting vanilla ice cream?   I'm sure there are some who'd turn up their noses at Apple Crisp but I'll wager they'll eat the ice cream!  You must forgive those people and anyway, there's more for you if they won't eat it. 

I like Apple Crisp because it is so easy to make.  Sometimes I have a hankering for apple pie but not the will to make one so I'll say to myself, "Lois, make apple crisp instead." So, I do.   Apple Crisp gives you that apple pie flavour with the goodness of an oatmeal cookie topping, less calories than a pie and less mess and time.  Topped with ice cream it just hits the taste buds in all the right places.  My goodness, Apple Crisp is so much healthier than pie that I'd feel justified eating it for breakfast! 

I have used my mother-in-law's apples for this recipe.  She has a huge apple tree just outside her

One bag peeled, three left to go.

fence, but still inside her property line, that has had a bumper crop this year.  Don brought home four large bags of apples the other day (I'd say about 50+ pounds) and I've been busy peeling and freezing some of the apple slices for later on this winter.  I'm not sure what kind of apples they are but they are very similar to a golden delicious--the right colour and shape but not as sweet.  This large tree most likely grew from a discarded apple core.  Years ago, Don's father had a car ramp built in that very spot.  He and the boys used it for getting up under their cars, making car repair much easier.  I suspect one of them was munching on a golden delicious and threw the core away right where this tree grew.  It's amazing how large the apples grow from a seed grown tree.  

The cornstarch is optional in this recipe but if you have very juicy apples you may want to use it. 


Apple Crisp

Filling:
5 or 6 large apples
¼ cup brown sugar
1½ teaspoons cornstarch, optional
1 teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
2 teaspoons butter

Crisp Topping:
½ cup oatmeal
½ cup flour
¼ cup brown sugar
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ cup very soft butter

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.  (If your oven is very hot turn it down to 350 degrees.)  Have an 8 or 9-inch square baking dish ready. 

For the filling, peel and slice apples and place in the baking dish.  In a small bowl, mix ¼ cup brown sugar, corn starch, if using, cinnamon and nutmeg until well blended.  Sprinkle over the sliced apples and mix through.  Dot with 2 teaspoons of butter.

For the topping, mix the oatmeal, flour, the remaining ¼ cup brown sugar, baking soda and salt together until well blended.  Rub in the soft butter until a crumbly mix is formed.  Sprinkle over the apple mixture, spreading evenly.

Bake in preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until apples are bubbling and topping is lightly browned and crisp. 

Serve warm or cold with ice cream.    Makes 6 servings. 

Peel and slice the apples.  The apples should fill at least half the dish.  Mix the sugar and spices together and mix with the apples.  Dot with butter.

For the topping mix the oatmeal, flour, sugar and butter together until crumbly.  Spread over apples and bake until bubbling and golden brown.

Doesn't that look delicious!

 Ice cream standing by on the side.

A quick but delicious dessert for any occasion!