Winter calls for comforting warm desserts like good old fashioned apple crisp with a crunchy topping. Most toppings call for oatmeal as an ingredient but in my opinion, that tends to create a heavy, dense crust. In this recipe, butter, sugar and flour provide that just right crunch.

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Crispy Apple Crisp

INGREDIENTS

8 cups peeled and thinly sliced Cortland or Granny Smith apples

2 cups granulated sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground allspice

1 teaspoon ground cloves

Topping

1 1/4 cups flour

1 1/4 cups light brown sugar

12 tablespoons cold butter, cut into bits

DIRECTIONS

Place apple slices in a large bowI. In a separate bowl mix together the sugar, salt, cinnamon, cloves and allspice. Add to apples and toss to coat slices well. Transfer the mixture to a 9 x 12 casserole dish. Set aside.

In a separate bowl mix the topping mixture together until it resembles small pebbles and sprinkle evenly over the top of the apples. Bake in preheated 375F oven for 40-45 minutes or. until apples are juicy and topping is golden brown. Serve warm scooped from the dish. Serves 6 to 8

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