Apple and Dried Cranberry Crisp

🍏🧁 Apple and Dried Cranberry Crisp 🍏🧁

What is it?
Apple and Dried Cranberry Crisp is a delightful dessert that combines the natural sweetness of apples with the tartness of dried cranberries, all topped with a crispy, crumbly oat and cinnamon topping. It’s a warm and comforting dessert that’s perfect for fall or any time you crave a cozy, fruity treat.

History:
The exact origins of apple crisp are a bit hazy, but similar desserts have been enjoyed for centuries. It’s a part of the American culinary tradition and became especially popular during pioneer times when settlers were looking for simple ways to enjoy fruit. The addition of cranberries adds a festive twist and additional flavor complexity.

Components:

• Apples: You’ll need 4-5 medium-sized apples (like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced.
• Dried Cranberries: About 1/2 cup of dried cranberries.
• Topping: The crisp topping typically consists of oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and butter.

Steps to Prepare:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the sliced apples and dried cranberries. You can also add a bit of lemon juice and zest for extra flavor.

3. Topping: In another bowl, mix oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Then, cut in cold butter (about 1/2 cup) until the mixture becomes crumbly.

4. Assemble: Spread the apple-cranberry mixture evenly in a baking dish or pie pan. Sprinkle the oat topping over the fruit.

5. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 40-45 minutes or until the topping is golden brown, and the fruit is bubbling underneath.

6. Serve: Remove from the oven and allow it to cool slightly. Serve your delicious apple and dried cranberry crisp warm, preferably with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence. 🍦

Time Needed:

• Preparation: 20-25 minutes
• Baking: 40-45 minutes
• Cooling: 10-15 minutes

So, in total, you’ll need around 70-85 minutes to prepare and enjoy this delightful dessert. It’s worth the wait, though, for that heavenly blend of apple and cranberry flavors, all topped with that irresistible crispy topping! 😋🍏🥧

Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Apple and Dried Cranberry Crisp:

Nutrition Facts (Approximate values per serving):

• Calories: 250-300 calories
• Total Fat: 8-10 grams
• Saturated Fat: 4-5 grams
• Cholesterol: 15-20 mg
• Sodium: 75-100 mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 40-50 grams
• Dietary Fiber: 4-6 grams
• Sugars: 20-25 grams
• Protein: 2-3 grams

Health Information:

1. Rich in Fiber: This dessert contains a decent amount of dietary fiber, mainly from the oats and apples. Fiber aids in digestion, helps maintain bowel regularity, and can contribute to a feeling of fullness.

2. Vitamins and Minerals: Apples are a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C and potassium. Cranberries add antioxidants and vitamin C to the mix.

3. Moderation is Key: While this dessert can be a relatively healthier choice compared to some other desserts, it’s still important to consume it in moderation due to its sugar and fat content.

4. Customizable: You can make this dessert healthier by adjusting the sugar content and using whole-grain oats for added nutrition.

5. Pair with Healthier Options: Serve it with a small portion of low-fat vanilla yogurt or frozen yogurt instead of ice cream for a lighter alternative.

Remember that the specific nutrition values may vary depending on the exact recipe and portion size, so it’s a good practice to check the labels of the ingredients you use or use a nutrition calculator to get precise values for your preparation. Enjoy your Apple and Dried Cranberry Crisp in moderation as part of a balanced diet! 🍏🧁🥄