Caramelized Apple Crisp

During the fall when the choice of apples at the farmers’ market is abundant, this dish comes into its own. Jonagold, Pippin, or Rome are all delicious, and of course, Granny Smith apples are available year round.

SERVES: 6

INGREDIENTS:

• 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) soy margarine or nondairy butter
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 5 tart apples, peeled and sliced
• 3/4 cup whole wheat pastry flour
• 3/4 cup oat-based muesli
• 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg
• 4 tbsp. canola oil
• 2 tbsp. almond or soy milk

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a skillet, melt the soy margarine or nondairy butter over medium heat.
3. Add 1/2 cup of brown sugar to the skillet and stir constantly until the sugar has melted.
4. Add the sliced apples to the skillet and coat them in the caramel mixture. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently, until the apples are cooked but still firm.
5. In a separate bowl, combine the remaining brown sugar, whole wheat pastry flour, oat-based muesli, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Mix lightly with your fingertips until the mixture becomes crumbly.
6. Add canola oil and almond or soy milk to the crumb mixture. Adjust the consistency by adding a little more oil if it’s too dry or more flour if it’s too sticky.
7. Transfer the caramelized apples to a deep pie dish or casserole.
8. Sprinkle the crumb mixture evenly over the apples.
9. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the topping is crisp and golden.
10. Serve the apple crisp with a scoop of soy vanilla ice cream on top.

VARIATIONS:

CARAMELIZED PEACH CRISP 

• Prepare the basic recipe, using 5 medium, ripe peaches in place of the apples. Add 1 tablespoon rum with the peaches for extra flavor.

CARAMELIZED APPLE GINGER CRISP 

• Prepare the basic recipe, adding 3 tablespoons chopped crystallized ginger to the apple mixture.

CARAMELIZED APPLE BISCUIT BAKE 

• Prepare the apples for the basic recipe. Make biscuits, using 1 tablespoon sugar in place of the rosemary. Arrange the biscuits on top of the apples and bake as directed.

CARAMELIZED APPLE CREPE 

• Prepare the apples for the basic recipe. Make a batch of crepes. Stuff the crepes with the apples, arrange in an greased baking dish, and bake at 425°F for 20 minutes, or until golden.