Inside Apple Pie!

     So, fall has arrived. I repeat, FALL HAS ARRIVED. I don't know very many people that dislike this time of year. Right now, all you see on Facebook, Twitter, and even the news, is Starbucks' Pumpkin Spice Latte and I'm seeing #PSL everywhere! While I've already begun creating dishes using pumpkin, I haven't started on the indulgent desserts and other comfort foods that everyone knows and loves that are so popular this time of year. This is a simple recipe that can easily stand in the place of apple pie. If you have any friends that are gluten-free, replace the flour with about 1 cup of crushed hazelnuts and this will add some extra crunch, too!
     Apples are plentiful right now and are oh so sweet. After visiting the apple festival this past weekend with Michael, we saw apple pies, apple fritters, apple EVERYTHING...but we didn't see an apple crisp. (To be fair, it isn't the most fair-friendly food...a tad messy) but it is delicious. This recipe is perfect for any apples they may be turning or have a few bruises. You don't really need perfect apples for this recipe. It's also the perfect mixture of tender sweet apples and crispy, crunchy cinnamon goodness. If you want to add even more texture to the apple crisp, use a variety of apples for one recipe and don't cut them as evenly. Try adding some larger chunks mixed with the thinner slices. 
 
Inside Apple Pie
Yields: 6 servings

4 medium apples, thinly sliced

¾ c. packed light brown sugar

½ c. flour (all-purpose or self-rising)

½ c. oats

1½ tbsp. pumpkin pie spice

¼ c. butter, softened

 

Heat oven to 375 F. Spray an 8x8 baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Spread the apples in the bottom of the prepared pan (no need to be neat)! In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour, oats, and pumpkin pie spice until thoroughly combined. Once combined, cut in the butter using either a fork or your fingers until the consistency is that of coarse corn meal.

 

 

Sprinkle evenly over the apples and bake for 30 minutes, or until apples are tender.

 

Nutritional Info

• Servings Per Recipe: 6
• Amount Per Serving
• Calories: 312.1 
• Total Fat: 9.1 g    
• Cholesterol: 20.7 mg
• Sodium: 14.1 mg
• Total Carbs: 67.9 g
• Dietary Fiber: 4.2 g
• Protein: 2.8 g