Kosher Blog

Quick Apple Dessert

In an effort to remain as holed-up as possible during these riotous times in this city following the disastrous performance of my home-town team, I’m thinking of making use of that ubiquitous October fruit — apples.

Last week, I successfully made two apple pies that ended up really good (or so I was told by others). This was a pleasant surprise to me, as I’m much more of a cook than a baker. In any case, while I did receive some crust recipe recommendations from a fellow member of TeamKosher, in the end I recognized my time limitations and used store bought crusts. The filling, though, was all homemade. I started with a variety of apples (macoun and empire, mostly, I think), and peeled, cored, and sliced them. Of course, I ended up with much more apple than I needed to fill the two pies, but that’s not important now. To my estimated 5-6 cups of apple slices (which was probably more like 8 cups), I added 3/4 cup sugar, 3/4 cup flour, about a teaspoon or two of cinnamon (there’s the cook in my with my inaccurate measurements), and a very light dash of salt. This wash just shaken up a bit and let to sit for 15 minutes as I prepared the crusts. I filled the bottom crust with filling (not too much) and then placed the flattened top crust on top. Then it was time for a little fusing with a wet fork and cutting 4 vents in the top. The pies were baked first for about 20 minutes at 425 F and then around 35 minutes at 300 or 350 F (I don’t really remember, nor does it matter so much) with a cookie sheet under them. Once the tops were brown and there was a little filling boiling up through the vents, they were done. After cooling for at least a few hours (mine cooled much longer), they were ready to eat.

Now, back to the leftover filling and the goal of staying away from riots — I think I’m going to make an apple crisp tonight. For this, I have a much simpler recipe, straight from my grandmother. If you can remember “a cup, a cup, a cup, and a stick” then you’re set. Prepare the apples as for pie (peel, core, slice) and arrange them in a convenient pan (I use a rectangular one, but you can use whatever you want). Then, in a plastic bag (sealable) or bowl, combine a cup of flour, a cup of sugar (or brown sugar), a cup of oatmeal (not the instant kind), and a stick of butter (or margarine for pareve, trans-fatty goodness). Mix it up and put it on top of the apples. Bake for a bit (maybe 25-30 minutes or so) at around 350 F. Once the top looks brown and cooked, you’re done. That’s it. Simple and yummy.

Enjoy! (and if you’re rioting, don’t come to my house)