Simple Apple Crisp

See those pretty, shiny apples?  They are destined to be something greater in my opinion.  Fresh fruit rarely stays in it's original form for long at my house.  I can eat raw vegetables on a tray all day long, but any sort of fruit I get my hands on gets turned into a sweet dish or a smoothie.  

I don't have a theory to explain my little streak of madness when it come to fruit and desserts other than the obvious:  fruit is great in dessert!  If you're not satisfied with the obvious explanation, well then, I guess I can safely blame my mother.  She made her delicious peach cobbler and apple pie a bunch when I was growing up and I remain strangely addicted to fruit-based desserts....especially when served warm and topped with vanilla ice cream.  Thanks Mom!

I typically like to keep it simple and just dress up fresh, beautiful fruit with wonderful, warm spices and a simple topping or pastry.  This super simple apple crumble has become one my favorite little treats.  It's good for a quick evening dessert or to impress friends at your next barbeque. 

 This recipe is great with other fruit fillings too.  Substitute blueberries, mixed berries (about a cup for each small baking dish) or fresh peach slices for the apples.

Simple Apple Crisp

 For the filling:

• 3 large sweet apples (I used Gala), peeled, cored and sliced or chopped
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon apple juice
• 3 teaspoons sugar
• pinch of table salt

1.  Pre-heat oven to 375°.  Prepare 4 small soufflé bowls (5 in diameter) with non-stick spray. (or just place everything together in a greased 8 x 8 in baking pan)
2.  In a large bowl, mix and coat the apple slices with the ingredients as listed.
3.  Fill bowls with the apple slices.   

For the topping:

• 3/4 cup light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup quick-cooking oats
• 1/4 cup of flour
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/3 cup of melted butter

1.  Mix all ingredients with a fork until moist and then spread evenly over the apples in baking dishes
2.  Place the baking dishes on a baking sheet and bake for about 35-40 minutes.
3.  Allow to cool on a wire rack for about 10 minutes.  Serve warm (but, truthfully it's delicious cold too)
3. Enjoy!