Basic Apple Crisp (Baked Apple Slices With Crumble Topping)

Apple Crisp is one of the most satisfying of simple desserts. I made one today with the help of all the little ones and everyone loved the making as much as the eating!! It is a pretty healthy dessert with very little fat and sugar - so one does not have to feel too guilty about indulging in this one on occasion.

My friend Linola insists that Macintosh is the best apple for the job. I have used green Granny Smith or Pippin or the Golden Delicious also with good results. Today we used an assortment of apples - whatever the children brought; the crisp turned out absolutely delicious. Try them all and see for yourself and let me know what your favorite apples are :).

Use freshly grated nutmeg if you can as it is much more flavorful than the already ground one because once ground, spices lose their volatile oils and out goes the flavor. Keep the whole nutmegs in an air-tight jar to use as needed.

Whole Wheat flour, Unbleached flour, and whole nutmegs are available at most markets.

8 Servings

Nutrition Information (for recipe made with whole wheat flour and walnuts; without the ice cream/whipped cream ): 275 Calories; 2.8 g protein; 44 g total carbohydrates; 2.5 g fiber.

Ingredients:

8 Medium Apples
1 pinch Sea Salt
2 pinches Nutmeg, freshly grated
1 tsp ground Cinnamon
1 Tbsp Brown Sugar
1 Tbsp Whole Wheat or Unbleached Flour

Topping:

1/2 cup Whole Wheat or Unbleached Flour
4 Tbsp Cold Butter
1/3 cup Brown Sugar, lightly packed
1 Tbsp ground Cinnamon
1/4 tsp freshly grated Nutmeg (Optional)
1 pinch Salt
1 cup Rolled Oats (dry oatmeal)
1/2 cup Walnuts or Pecans, coarsely chopped (Optional)

Method:

Heat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Lightly butter an 9" x 13" baking pan. (Or use cooking spray to coat the pan.)

Wash and dry the apples. Peel, remove core, and slice or coarsely chop them.

Sprinkle the apples with the salt, spices, sugar and flour. Mix thoroughly.

Place the apples in the buttered pan.

For the topping: Mix the flour and salt. Cut butter into small pieces. Mix the butter into the flour with a pastry blender or two knives until the butter is finely chopped and mixed into the flour.

Stir in spices and brown sugar.

Add oats and the nuts and mix well.

Distribute the topping evenly over the apples.

Bake for 40 minutes or until topping is golden brown.

Remove from the oven and let cool for 10 - 15 minutes before serving.

Serve warm. Serious dessert lovers might like it served a la mode (with a scoop of real Vanilla Ice Cream on top) or with a dollop of lightly sweetened fresh whipped cream!!

Variations: Peaches, plums, pears, etc. can be used instead of apples to make delicious crisps.