You don’t have to be a gourmand to bake like Jacquie’s Gourmet Catering

Although this time of year can be pretty hectic, sometimes making the time to bake a lovely fall dessert for your family can be very spiritually nourishing and well-worth the effort.

That, in addition to the rich, satisfying smells emanating from your kitchen, will make this easy-to-bake dessert a family favorite (if it isn’t already).

Here is one of Jacquie’s favorite fall recipes, which is also easy (and fail-safe) to make. Just allow time for prep.

Jacquie’s Apple Maple Crumble

Indiana is a terrific place for apple orchards! Pick a bushelful of fresh Indiana heritage apples, or buy some at your grocer. In general, look for tarter apples (honey crisp, fiji, granny smith, and the like). Because they tend to be firmer, they will hold their flavor when baked.

Ingredients:

• About 10 medium apples, at least 2 varieties recommended
• 1/2 C. fresh apple cider
• 2 T butter, melted
• ½ C. brown suger
• ½ C maple syrup
• 1 t. cinnamon
• ¼ T. nutmeg
• ½ t. ground ginger or cloves, depending on taste
• ¼ C. wheat flour or unbleached all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
• ¼ t. salt

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Peel, core and slice apples into ¼” thickness. Place in a bowl, stirring in remaining ingredients. Spoon mixture into lightly greased 9 x 9” pan or oven-proof bakeware.

Streusel Topping:

• ½ C unbleached flour
• ½ C. thick uncooked rolled oats
• ¼ t. salt
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ½ t. cinnamon
• ¾ t. baking powder
• 8 T butter

Stir mixture together, adding butter by cutting it in with a pastry blender.

Sprinkle streusel topping over base mixture. Bake crumble for approx. 1 ½ hrs, til bubbly and aromatic. Top should appear golden brown.

Remove from over and inhale deeply! Allow to cool before serving.

Great with a scoop of fresh vanilla bean ice cream! Or alternatively, pour crème fraiche over the top.

Enjoy with the blessings of Jacquie’s kitchen!