Simply Wonderful Apple Crisp

A few weeks ago I went to lunch at my cousin Kristi's house and she served the most wonderful apple crisp. She raved about how simple and easy it was to make and we raved about how delicious it was, too. Naturally I asked her for the recipe when I realized that I had bought about four times as many apples as I needed for the Barefoot Blogger's Apple Turnovers. This came together in a flash one afternoon earlier this week, thanks mostly to my handy apple peeler and corer. If you don't have one, peel the apples with a paring knife or vegetable peeler, cut into quarters, and chop into 1 inch pieces. I made a few "Anne" modifications- a little lemon, a little extra cinnamon, and not quite as much nutmeg. I also reduced the topping by half since I figured with a little less "crisp", this is nearly a healthy dessert. Well fine, my judgment in that area has been more than impaired by Tuesdays with Dorie. I do think, however, that this quick and inexpensive dessert is practically healthy, and totally delicious. Plus, calcium has been shown to help with weight loss, so don't forget to include some whipped cream or ice cream on top.

Kristi's Apple Crisp
Adapted from Kristi Ellingson

Filling:
6 Cups Tart Apples, Sliced
1 Teaspoon Lemon Juice
1/2 Cup Sugar
1 Teaspoon Cinnamon
1/4 Teaspoon Nutmeg

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and toss gently. Pour into a medium baking dish (9 x 9 or 9 x 11 for example).

Topping:
3/4 Cup Sugar
3/4 Cup Rolled Oats
3/4 Cup Flour
1/2 Cup (1 Stick) Butter, cold and cut into small pieces

Combine all ingredients with a pastry cutter or two forks (even your fingers will do in a pinch) until the butter is incorporated in small pieces.

Pour topping over the apples and bake from 35-45 minutes at 350. Serve warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.