Fall, Love and Apple Crisp

Happy Monday y'all! And happy 1st day of October :) Super, ubber excited because Bruno Mars' new single comes out TODAY!!! You have no idea what a fan I am!! He's so talented, cute and funny! Every time he tweets it's a riot, I'm always left thinking 'what, the what? where does he get this from?' it's soo cute. If you're a fan (which I can't see how anyone wouldn't be) make sure to check out his new single "Locked Out of Heaven" which is out today.

This is from when he was here in Dallas last year in May.

So, I hope it's nice and breezy cold wherever you guys are right now because Dallas is pretty, pretty warm still. All the pretty autumn leaves are finally falling from the trees, there's fall recipes everywhere, pumpkin recipes are everywhere too, and people are getting into the holiday spirit, I like that! You know what else I like baking with Brian. So, I helped my love make Apple Crisp a few days ago! I was totally excited that he suggested told me he wanted something with the taste of fall...and quickly supplied a recipe for apple crisp. I know what you're thinking 'aww soo cute', yup, too cute. Once I got my hands on it that recipe got meshed into another handy one I had around and with a little creativity it turned into a boss crisp. T'was very tasty, apple taste was gorgeous, it was nutty, the topping was so good, Brian raved about it as we both dove into our pieces, it's not too sweet--which is great because you're not overcome by the sugar that you can't taste the fruit.

I really think that in some desserts, specially fruit based ones, the sugar can be reduced so that the natural fruit flavors pop and you can savor them better. Now, other desserts do require great amounts of sugar for them to 'work' those are great too not going to turn one away--moderation is key, you guys! I know this Apple Crisp doesn't have the typical streusel topping that's because I literally wanted that crisp feeling for when I digged into it.

Apple Crisp

Ingredients

Topping:

• 1/2 cup flour
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/8 teaspoon clove
• 1/4 teaspoon allspice
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 8 tablespoons unsalted butter (1 stick)
• 1/3 cup rolled oats
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans

Filling:

• 8 golden delicious apples
• juice of 1/2 a lemon
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon clove
• 1/4 teaspoon allspice

Directions 

Preheat oven 375 F. Butter a 9x13 baking dish, I used a ceramic one for this crisp.

For the Topping: In a large bowl place flour, sugars, spices, butter, oats and pecans using your hands crumble the butter until it is mixed with the flour and there are no large pieces of butter visible. Set aside until filling is ready.

For the Filling: Wash and peel all of your apples, for a baking dish this big 8 medium sized apples are perfect. Once all apples are washed and peeled, using an apple slicer slice all apples into slices and then into squares. Place the apple chunks in a large bowl and sprinkle with the lemon juice and top with the sugar, and add your spices last. Pour them onto your prepared baking dish  Spread the topping evenly over the apples.

Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the apples are bubbly and the topping is golden brown. Remove from oven and cool for another 30 minutes before serving.

It can be served with vanilla ice cream for a nice cool&warm combination.You can also refrigerate leftovers and reheat before serving.

 We also made my BBQ Chicken recipe, with steamed broccoli and steamed rice.

Alright y'all come back soon! (heehee)

Bake with love :)