Apple Almond Crisp

Warm Apple Crisp topped with
Vanilla Bean ice cream

 Topping Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups flour

1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

2 teaspoons cinnamon

3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) chilled butter, cut into 1/2 inch cubes

1 cup sliced (not slivered) almonds

Filling Ingredients:

3/4 cup sugar

3 tablespoon flour

1 tablespoon finely grated lemon peel

1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon  nutmeg

4 1/2 pounds granny smith apples, peeled, cored & cut into 1/2 inch wedges

1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Garnishes (optional):

vanilla ice cream

whipped cream

Method:

Sift together the flour. cinnamon & nutmeg. Whisk in the brown sugar. Cut in the butter with two knives or a pastry cutter. Next, use your fingers to mix the ingredients until the mixture resembles tiny pieces or crumbs. Stir in the almonds and place in the refrigerator.

Preheat oven to 350*. Grease the sides and bottom of a 9 x 15 inch baking pan with butter. In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar, flour, peel, cinnamon and nutmeg. Add the apples and stir to coat in the spice mixture. Add the vanilla and stir to mix. Turn the apple mixture into the the prepared baking pan and spread into an even layer. Sprinkle the topping mixture over the apples. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes or until the topping is golden and crisp and the apples are tender. Cool at least 10 minutes before serving. If desired, garnish with ice cream or whipped cream. Makes 10 to 12 servings.

Notes: My mother-in-law cut this recipe out of her local newspaper and gave it to me. (A hint that she wanted me to make this for her.) It turned out great and I gave her half a pan with her Mother's Day gifts. (This is adapted from a recipe that was originally featured in "Bon Appetit Desserts".)

My spunky Polish Mother-in-law.