Apple Crisp

Apple Crisp Mels Kitchen Cafe*Note: For the apples, I like to use a combination of Granny Smith, Honeycrisp and/or Gala. Firm, tart and sweet apples work the best for apple crisp – feel free to experiment with different varieties, depending on what you like (or can find at the store!). *Serves 6-8 7 tart apples, peeled, cored and cut into chunks or slices1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed or bottled)1/2 teaspoon vanilla1/2 cup all-purpose or whole wheat flour1 cup rolled oats1 cup brown sugar1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon8 tablespoons (1 stick) butter, softened to room temperature Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. In a medium bowl, toss the apples with the lemon juice and vanilla. Pour the apples into a 9X13-inch baking dish, spreading evenly to the edges. It doesn’t matter if the apples are slightly overlapping. In a medium bowl stir together the flour, oats, brown sugar and cinnamon. Using a pastry blender, two forks or two knives, mix the butter into dry ingredients until lumpy and coarsely mixed. Most of the dry ingredients should be incorporated with the butter to form large crumbs. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the apples. Bake for 35-40 minutes, until the apples are tender and the topping is browned and crunchy. Let cool 10-15 minutes before serving warm with ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.