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Apple Crisp

American Dessert
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Posted on: 2024-02-11
Updated on: 2024-03-05 11:46:23 by Mike

Mike
Image Of Apple Crisp Ready To Eat.

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Description

From the earliest days of my culinary explorations, the traditional Apple Crisp never quite made it to my list of favorites. The texture of the apples, somewhat between crunchy and soft, never appealed to my younger palate. It was a dish I approached with ambivalence, until the day I decided to take this classic dessert and transform it into something that could capture both my imagination and my taste buds.

The journey began with a desire to create an Apple Crisp that transcended the ordinary, one that could offer a tantalizing play of contrasts—where the sweet caress of fruit meets the bold embrace of salt. To achieve this, I ventured beyond the conventional boundaries, introducing a bold twist to the topping: crushed walnuts and specifically chosen salted almonds. This choice was not arbitrary. The walnuts, with their earthy undertone, and the almonds, with their hint of saltiness, were meant to create a flavor dichotomy that would elevate the dish from its humble origins to the realms of gourmet elegance.

Choosing the right type of apple was crucial. Gala apples became my muse. Their flavor profile—robust yet not overwhelmingly sweet—provided the perfect canvas for my culinary painting. These apples, when baked, released their subtleties, blending seamlessly with the sweet and salty notes of the crust, creating a symphony of flavors that was both familiar and novel.

The essence of my Apple Crisp lies in its ability to surprise and delight. It is an elegant dessert, yes, but its elegance does not come from complexity or exotic ingredients. Instead, it lies in the thoughtful balance of flavors and textures—the tender yet firm apples, the crunch of the nuts, the hint of saltiness cutting through the sweetness.

To finish, a shot of heavy cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream adds a luxurious richness, transforming each bite into an indulgent experience. This is not just a dessert; it is a celebration of flavors, a testament to the idea that even the most traditional recipes can be reimagined and elevated.

I extend an invitation to you, the reader, to embark on this culinary adventure. The next time you find yourself in the kitchen, pondering what dessert might grace your table, consider this elevated Apple Crisp. It's more than just a recipe; it's a journey—a delicious exploration of what happens when we dare to reimagine the possibilities of a simple apple dessert.

Give it a try. Let this Apple Crisp be not just a dish, but an experience, a delightful surprise for your guests and a reflection of what happens when we blend tradition with innovation. This is not just my vision of what an Apple Crisp can be; it's an invitation to redefine the boundaries of dessert itself.

gala apples
Gala Apples by Mike Kearns

Apple Crisp Ingredients

Step-By-Step Instructions

Image of Apple Crisp ready to use/eat. Apple Crisp

Prep Time: 30 minutes.

Cook Time: 45 minutes.

Total Time: 75 minutes.

Yield: 12 Servings

Nutrition Information: 215 Calories without ice cream or 284 calories with ice cream.

Ingredients:
  • 1/2 Cup Almonds
  • 5 Apples
  • 1 TSP Kosher Salt
  • 1/2 Cup Walnuts
  • 1/2 TBSP Vanilla
  • 1 TSP Cinnamon
  • 3/4 Cup All-Purpose Flour
  • 1 Cup Brown Sugar
  • 1/2 Cup Butter
Instructions:
  • Step 1 - Gather Your Ingredients. #1 - 1/2 Cup Almonds, #2 - 5 Apples, #3 - 1 TSP Kosher Salt, #4 - 1/2 Cup Walnuts, #5 - 1/2 TBSP Vanilla, #6 - 1 TSP Cinnamon, #7 - 3/4 Cup All-Purpose Flour, #8 - 1 Cup Brown Sugar, #9 - 1/2 Cup Butter. Turn the oven on 350 degrees.
  • Step 2 - Cube The Butter. Take wrapper off the stick of butter, slice lengthwise. Turn it, then slice down length-wise again to get 4 long match sticks. Lay them together, and cross-cut them the same width they are wide and place the butter squares into a bowl. Once you are done cutting the butter sticks into squares and placing them into the bowl, put the bowl in the freezer.
  • Step 3 - Crush The Nuts. Take the walnuts and almonds and place them in a ziploc bag. I like to use a meat tenderizer to lightly crush the nuts. I hit the nuts from different angles to crush them. Once the nuts are crushed, place them in a bowl and set them aside until later
  • Step 4 - Peel The Apples. Get out your favorite apple peeler and peel all five of the apples. Peel them as fast as possible so as not to induce oxidation; browning.
  • Step 5 - Slice The Apples. Core and slice the apples into 1/8“ slices. Place the slices in a mixing bowl.
  • Step 6 - Prepare To Mix The Apple. With your apples in a mixing bowl, go ahead and add 1/2 of the brown sugar and all of the cinnamon to the sliced apples
  • Step 7 - Mix Apples. Gently mix the apple slices, cinnamon, and brown sugar in the bowl until all the apples slices are well covered. Sometimes I start with a wooden spoon to mix then toss it in the bowl. Be sure to be careful not to toss too hard to lose some of your precious cargo.
  • Step 8 - Get Out The Crumble Ingredients. Get your other 1/2 of your brown sugar, salt, vanilla, flour and butter from the freezer.
  • Step 9 - Place Ingredients Into Mixing Bowl. Go ahead and place all the ingredients from step 8 into a small mixing bowl.
  • Step 10 - Mix WIth A Pastry Cutter. Mix the ingredients slowly. You’ll need to scrape the pastry cutter from time to time. That’s normal. This takes a few minutes to get it to the right consistency.
  • Step 11 - Stir In Crushed Nuts. With the crumble thoroughly mixed, add in the crushed nuts and use a wooden spoon to fold them into the mix.
  • Step 12 - Place Sliced Apple Mixture In Baking Dish. A 9” x 11” would work well. Mine was dirty at the time of creating this recipe, so I used an alternative dish. Be sure to cover the bottom of the baking dish and try to make it equal height.
  • Step 13 - Cover With Crumble. I grab a small handful of the crumble and spread it over the top making equal coverage.
  • Step 14 - Bake. Bake on 350 for 45 minutes. The top will turn golden brown and your house will smell like apple pie.
  • Step 15 - Serve. If you wait to serve, so it can cool, be sure to add 1/4 cup of heavy cream to each serving. If you want to eat it hot, then a scoop of vanilla ice cream will slay.
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Apple Crisp Drink Pairings

Alcoholic
  • Riesling

    A slightly sweet or off-dry Riesling can complement the sweetness of the apple crisp while its acidity cuts through the richness.

  • Apple Cider

    Hard apple cider, especially a less sweet, more complex variety, echoes the apple flavor in the dessert and adds a refreshing contrast.

  • Bourbon or Whiskey

    A small glass of bourbon or whiskey, possibly with a splash of water or on the rocks, can complement the caramel notes of the brown sugar and the warmth of the cinnamon.

  • Calvados

    This apple brandy from Normandy, France, has deep apple flavors that can enhance the apple component of the dessert.

  • Port Wine

    A tawny port, with its nutty and caramel notes, can complement the nuts and brown sugar in the apple crisp.

Non-Alcoholic
  • Apple Cider

    Non-alcoholic apple cider, especially when served warm, can enhance the apple flavors in the dessert while adding a comforting warmth.

  • Chai Tea

    The spices in chai tea, such as cinnamon, clove, and cardamom, can mirror and complement the spices in the apple crisp.

  • Vanilla Bean Latte

    The creamy, rich vanilla flavors can pair beautifully with the vanilla in the apple crisp and add a comforting warmth.

  • Ginger Ale or Ginger Beer

    The spicy kick of ginger can provide a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the dessert.

  • Sparkling Water with a Squeeze of Lemon or Lime

    For a light and refreshing option, sparkling water with citrus can cleanse the palate between bites and balance the sweetness.