Fall Apple and Ginger Crisp

As autumn pushes along and apples falls into season, I’ve been looking for easy ways to blend them into a sweet dish.  This Fall Apple and Ginger Crisp does just that.  It is insanely delicious!  Writing this doesn’t give weight to how flavorful, warming, light and healthy this crisp is.  I’ve found myself nibbling at this dish throughout the entire day, craving it for every meal.  What makes it so good is the sweet tender apples that are stewed in a bath of cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, honey and lemon juice!  These flavors evoke a warmth, bringing the cozy fall feeling to a tangible reality through this dish.  I know this sounds as if I am slightly obsessed with this crisp but it is all for good reason – even my traditional pie eating family and friends are enamored with this crisp!  The topping alone is just as delicious and could be enjoyed as a granola.  It is a mixture of sweet maple syrup, hearty oats, creamy coconut, and warming cinnamon.  The baked apples layered with this crunchy topping is the perfect easy dessert, snack or breakfast for the fall season.  

Since it is apple season, the farmer’s market apples are ripe with flavor and are at their most affordable.  I garnered about 7 organic apples for $5!  Apples are also a well-known powerhouse food, loaded with nutritional benefits ranging from vitamin C - helping to ward off colds, to being high in fiber.  I’ve written a post about apples on the pantry page that gives more insight into their nutritional benefits, recipe ideas and shelf life.  I hope you get to try this apple and ginger crisp soon, as it is the perfect holiday dish, celebrating the delicious flavor of apples!  Enjoy!

Serves: 6-8

Prep Time: 30 minutes | Cook Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients for the Apple and Ginger Crisp:

- 1 cup walnuts

- ½ cup hazelnuts

- 9 apples (I like a mix of red and green)

- ½ cup of maple syrup

- 1 ½ teaspoon cinnamon

- ½ teaspoon of ground ginger

- ½ teaspoon cardamom

- 1 ½ cup rolled oats

- 3 tablespoons coconut oil

- juice of ½ lemon

- 1 tablespoon honey

- 1/3 cup water

- pinch of salt

Instructions:

Start by preheating the oven to 375F, peel the apples and cut into thin slices – this will take the bulk of the prep time.  Now add the apple slices, water, honey, lemon juice, ginger, cardamom and 1 teaspoon of the cinnamon to a large frying pan and cook on medium-high heat until the apples are tender, about 10-15 minutes. 

In the meantime, prepare the oat topping by blending the walnuts and hazelnuts in a food processor until a flour like mixture forms, about 2-3 minutes.  Now melt the coconut oil, maple syrup, salt and remaining cinnamon on low heat on the stovetop and then add to a large mixing bowl.  Add the oats, hazelnut and walnut flour to the large mixing bowl with the coconut oil mixture.  Using your hands, mix the oat topping together. 

Once the apples are done cooking, move them to a large baking dish (liquid included).  Now evenly top with the oat mixture and bake for 25-30 minutes until the top becomes golden brown.  Enjoy!