Tuesday, September 26, 2006

Apples

There are hundreds of varieties of apples; from hardy Adanacs to Xavier de Bavays. While my preferences run more towards Cortlands and Macoun’s, I can also understand the appeal of a crisp Granny Smiths or luscious Golden Delicious. I bake with dessert apples – McIntosh, Cortland or Gala. Generally I eat an apple for lunch. If I can find them, I’ll eat Fuji’s, Red Delicious, Granny Smiths or Jonathans.

Out-of-season apples sometimes lose flavor and crispness, but I push through until the fall when apples are at their peak. Here in the Northeast, we can drive out to the country and pick apples. Many farms carnavalize the whole process so the kids have more to do than watch their parents fight each other over ladders and picking poles. The farms often run cider mills that produce glorious, un-pasteurized cider.

Apple Crisp
Thanks to Steph Jaworski

Topping:

1/2 cup (70 grams) all purpose flour
1/4 cup (50 grams) granulated white sugar
1/4 cup (55 grams) light brown sugar
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon fresh or ground nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon salt
6 tablespoons (84 grams) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
1/3 cup (30 grams) old-fashioned rolled oats
1/4 cup (30 grams) chopped walnuts or pecans

Filling:

2 1/2 pounds (1.2 kg) or 6 cups peeled and sliced Granny Smith Apples or other firm, tart-tasting apple
1 cup fresh blackberries or raspberries (optional)
Zest of 1 lemon (optional)
1/4 cup (55 grams) light brown sugar


Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) and place rack in the center of the oven. Butter or spray with a cooking spray, a 9 inch (23 cm) deep dish pie plate or an 8 x 8 x 2 inch (20 x 20 x 5 cm) baking dish. Set aside.
For Topping: Place all the topping ingredients (flour, sugars, spices, butter, oats and nuts) in a food processor and process until the mixture is crumbly (looks like coarse meal) and there are no large pieces of butter visible. (This can also be done with two knives or your fingertips.) Set aside while you prepare the filling.
For Filling: Peel, core, and slice the apples into 1/4 inch (.7 cm) thick pieces. Place in a large bowl, along with the berries and lemon zest (if using), and add the brown sugar. Gently combine and then transfer to your prepared baking dish. Spread the topping evenly over the apples.
Bake for approximately 35-45 minutes or until the topping is golden brown. Remove from oven and place on a wire rack to cool for about 30 minutes before serving.
Serve with softly whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. Refrigerate leftovers and reheat before serving.

Monday, September 11, 2006