Call me Maple? Maple Pecan Apple Crisp

I admit it…I may have jumped the gun this year. I have made apple crisp 3 times already and once when the A/C was on.  My new “Make and Take”plan is going well. Every time I make a dessert I make one for us and one to give away. It isn’t  extra work and I usually get the dish back clean…Score!

My Mom always made Apple Crisp every fall. Nothing smells better than the real thing baking in the oven. There is no Yankee Candle, Glade or anything else that make your house feel so perfect on a cool and bright Autumn day. I love it warm, cold and even for breakfast!

I fell in love with Maple Syrup a few years ago. The Hubs and I went on a babymoon to Vermont in the fall of 2007. It was Magical. We had maple syrup on pancakes, ate maple candy, washed with maple soap and I think there was maple  in our gas tank before we left.

Ever since that get away to the land of sugar shacks I have been in love with Real maple syrup. Never more Mrs. Butterworth–only the real thing here. I have got local Wisconsin maple syrup lately around here. I used some and a few chopped pecans and I think I came up with something darn good.

Maple Pecan Apple Crisp

6 lbs apples. (Gala, Fuji, Jonagold, Granny Smith or your favorite) I used half Gala and half Granny Smith, I like the tart and sweet. Peeled and cored, sliced or cut into chunks or wedges.

4 cups old fashion oats

1 1/4 cup AP flour

3/4 cup white sugar

3/4 cup dark brown sugar

3/4 real maple syrup

tablespoon ground cinnamon, nutmeg

teaspoon salt

juice 1 lemon

1 cup chopped pecans

1 cup (2 sticks) cold butter

Pull up a chair and peel and cut your apples. My boys love apple peels for snackin and I love that they do. Toss with lemon juice, 1/4 flour, 1/4 white sugar, brown sugar and maple syrup. Preheat oven to 400.

In a large bowl combine oats, remaining flour, white and brown sugar, salt. Cut cold butter into small pieces and mix. Sprinkle in pecans. Divide Apples and pour into two baking dishes. Divide oat topping in half and sprinkle over apples. Finish with drizzling remaining maple syrup on top. Place in 400 degree oven and reduce heat to 375. Bake 40 minutes. Breathe deeply, enjoy the smell.

Remove and cool just a bit. Wrap one loosely in foil and deliver warm with vanilla ice cream or Cool Whip. Return home and serve yourself up a delicious, warm, comforting dish of autumn….

Cool evenings, warm sunny days, kids back in the swing, This is truly the “Most Wonderful Time Of The Year”.  I have played with the topping this week, on top Baked Apple French Toast and Apple Oat Cinnamon Rolls. I will tell you about those some other day.

SIncerely, Sara