APPLE CRISP

Here in New York State, we have a large apple crop each year.  From the western edge to the central valley, the southern tier and the capital region, there are plenty of apple farms and orchards.  Even the local grocery stores sell local farmers' apples.  I tend to get mine from a farm near us or I buy from a farm to the east of us which sells them first to my favorite grocery store.  No matter which way you buy your apples, there are a variety of uses for all the different varieties.

One of my faves for cooking/baking are Cortlands or Empires.  My family likes the tart crisp taste.  We have found that for this particular recipe and for several others, the Macintosh's are just too "mushy" once they are baked.

For this recipe I used Empires.  And because our youngest girl is vegan, I tweaked the traditional Better Home and Garden recipe to meet our needs.  It's also a tad bit more nutritious for you!!

VEGAN APPLE CRISP

1/2 c. quick cooking Organic Steel Cut oats

(you can also use Cook Cooking Quaker Oats)

1/2 c. packed brown sugar

1/4 c. whole wheat white flour 

(I use the King Arthur brand)

1/2 tsp ground organic (or regular) cinnamon

1/4 c. coconut oil (to replace butter) or vegan butter

(I used Spectrum brand expellar pressed organic...you want to make sure your coconut oil is expellar pressed and refined over medium heat for the optimal health benefits)

about 6-8 medium sized apples, peeled, cored, and sliced

1 Tblsp. of coconut sugar or refined sugar

vanilla ice cream, optional

• In a medium bowl, combine the first 4 ingredients until mixed well. 
• Cut in the coconut oil.  There is NO need to soften the coconut oil first...simply take a spoon and scoop it out into the measuring cup and add in to the mixture.  Stir well.
• Set crumb mixture aside and peel/cut apples
• Place apples in a 10x6 inch baking pan (an 8x8 square pan works fine, too)
• Sprinkle the apples with the coconut sugar (or granulated sugar)
• Top with the crumb mixture.
• Bake in a 350 oven for 40-45 minutes.  Mine only needed 42 minutes as I had preheated the oven.
• Serve warm!  I like to serve ours in small dessert bowls.

Top with vanilla ice cream if desired.  (We eat ours plain)

TIPS:  this makes a great, quick and easy dessert to throw together and if you have leftovers, simply heat up each individual bowl in the microwave for about 12 seconds.  

ENJOY!!

NOTE:  as with all of the recipes under the 'faithfixes" label, you DO have permission to copy and print this recipe.