Ahhhh....home made apple crisp...what could be better?
This has been one of those special desserts that goes back as far as my
earliest childhood memories. My mother made it and I learned from her. I don't
know exactly where the recipe originated. My copy is hand written on an index card.
If you do a search for apple crisp you will get many variations. Most I found
included brown sugar and oatmeal with various spice mixtures. Sometimes it
just needs to be kept simple. I think this is the simplest, most delicious
apple crisp recipe you will find anywhere!!
Give it a try and let me know what you think!
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| Make the topping mix first |
The topping consists of flour, sugar, salt, cinnamon & butter.
I usually make this first so that the apples won't have to sit and start browning.
The basic recipe is: 1 Cup of Flour, 1 Cup Sugar, 1/2 tsp Cinnamon,
1/4 tsp Salt and a stick of cold Butter.
You can tweak these to suit your tastes. I usually put more than a tsp of cinnamon because I really like it. You could use other spices or make it more or less sweet.
Blend all of the dry ingredients together and then cut in the butter. It helps to slice the butter into
several pieces before cutting. I mostly use a pastry cutter but you can use the two knife method and cut into the butter like scissors.
The butter pieces should be about pea size. Set it aside when mixed.
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| I think Macintosh is the best apple to use! |
I have always traditionally used Macintosh apples. You can use any variety
you like but I think the tartness of the Macs goes well with the sweetness of the topping.
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| Very handy manual slicer/peeler! |
I used to use a knife to cut them but that took forever,
so I invested(all of about $20) in a manual peeler/slicer.
It works great!
Get out your favorite pie dish and fill it about half way with your peeled & sliced apples. Add some topping to the apples. I do this because I always seem to end up with too
much for just the top. Finish adding apples. Remember that the apples will cook down, so pile 'em high!
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| Thank you to my friend Louisa for help with the photo shoot :) |
Finish it off with the remaining topping mix. If you slightly shake the pie dish,
it will settle the topping down into the apples a bit. Bake at 375 (pre-heated) for about 45 minutes. You may want to put foil or a cookie sheet on the rack underneath to keep any drippings from getting on the bottom of your stove. Cool on a wire rack for a little while. While it's cooling, I often go ahead and make fresh whipped cream to top it with. It makes it just perfect! Vanilla ice cream is good too!!
Enjoy!
~ Kimberly :)
