Note: this piece first appeared as the December 2008 ClarkWellness.net Recipe of the Month.
Serves 6
This simple, rustic dessert is perfect for surprise guests and impromptu holiday gatherings. The recipe is easy to prepare and creates a delicious aroma in your kitchen as it bakes! It’s also flexible — feel free to substitute your fruit, nuts, and spices of choice.
For the fruit filling:
4 cups sliced apples
3 tablespoons pure maple syrup (or to taste)
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
pinch sea salt
For the topping:
1/2 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup whole-wheat pastry or spelt flour
1/4 cup chopped toasted pecans
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 cup pure maple syrup
3 tablespoons no-taste oil, such as safflower, sunflower, or canola
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly oil an 8″ x 8″ baking dish.
To make the filling: In a medium bowl, combine the apples, maple syrup, lemon juice, cinnamon, fresh ginger (if using), and sea salt. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed; if the mixture tastes very tart, add more maple syrup. Place the apple mixture in the prepared pan.
To make the topping, combine the rolled oats, flour, pecans, cinnamon, ginger, maple syrup, oil, and sea salt in a small bowl and mix until crumbly. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the apple mixture.
Bake until golden and bubbly, about 30 minutes, and allow to cool briefly before serving warm.
