Have a Delicious Weekend

Okay, first the title...admittiedly, I fell in love with A Cup of Jo's weekend sign-off and decided to use the headline.  Great idea, Jo!

Second, we hosted some friends recently for dessert and games.  I tried an Apple Crisp and everyone really enjoyed it.  Jenny went so far as to request a copy of the recipe from me.  So Jenny this one's for you....

Apple Crisp Dessert

Filling Ingredients:

5 granny smith apples, peeled, cored and cut into 1" pieces

1/2 cup granulated sugar

2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice

Contents of 1 vanilla bean or 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, freshly grated worked best.

1/4 kosher salt

Streusel Topping Ingredients:

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter

1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar

1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/3 cup rolled oats or quick cooking oats

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. Prepare filling: combine apples, granulated sugar, lemon juice, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and kosher salt in an 8" square baking dish and mix well.  Set aside when complete.

3. Make topping: melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat and stir in brown sugar and salt.  Add the flour and oatmeal and stir until just incorporated.  Do not overwork.

4. Crumble the topping mixture evenly over the apple filling.

5. Bake 50 to 60 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.

6. Serve with vanilla ice cream.

7. Enjoy!

Do Ahead: Prepare apple filling and the topping 6 to 8 hours in advance but do not crumble the topping over the filling until you are ready to bake.

This is the perfect warm dessert for a cozy night by the fire with a good friend or loved one.  Enjoy your weekend, particularly if you have a long one ahead!