Bare Necessities

This apple crisp will make anyone melt instantly! It is the perfect dessert or for lazy afternoon gatherings in the fall. Not to mention, it is really easy to make and pretty easy on the wallet. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream and perhaps a little drizzle of caramel for an extra special treat.

Apple Filling:

4 of your favorite sturdy apples, I used Rome

2 tsp cinnnamon

1/2 tsp of each, nutmeg, cloves and allspice

1/2 stick butter (melting is not necessary)

tsp of cider, cider vinegar, or lemon (whichever you have on hand, all give the same effect)

tbs cornstarch

1/2 cup sugar, use more or less to taste

tsp of vanilla

a pinch of salt

Peel the apples and slice thin. Combine these ingredients and let macerate. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and begin the topping.

For the topping:

1 cup old fashioned rolled oats

6 tbs flour

1/2 cup brown sugar

2 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp nutmeg

a pinch of salt

1 stick butter, cut into cubes

Combine all ingredients but the butter, and then add the butter. Use your fingers for ease in creating a mass with the butter.

Pour the apples into a greased baking dish. Put slices of butter throughout the apples. Place the topping on top, you will have to mold it a bit. Bake for about 30 to 45 minutes, until the apples are nice and tender when pierced with a fork.