Topping:
1/2 cup all purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated white sugar
1/4 cup light brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon fresh or ground nutmeg (optional)
1/8 teaspoon salt
6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces
1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Filling:
6 cups Granny Smith Apples or other firm, tart-tasting apple (peeled, cored, and cut into 1 inch chunks)
1 cup fresh berries (optional)
Juice of 1/2 lemon
1 teaspoon lemon zest
3 tablespoons white granulated sugar
Apple Crisp: Preheat oven to 375 degrees and place rack in the center of the oven. Butter or spray with a cooking spray, a 9 inch deep dish pie plate or an 8 x 8 x 2 inch baking dish.
Topping: Place all the topping ingredients (flour, sugars, spices, butter, oats and nuts) in a food processor and process until the mixture is crumbly (looks like coarse meal) and there are no large pieces of butter visible. (This can also be done with two knives or your fingertips.) Set aside while you prepare the filling.
Filling: Place the apple chunks in a large bowl, along with the berries (if using) and lemon zest. Toss with the lemon juice and sugar. Transfer to your prepared baking dish Spread the topping evenly over the apples. (If you cut the apple chunks too small, you'll end up with applesauce.)
Bake for approximately 30 - 40 minutes or until bubbly, and the topping is golden brown. Remove from oven and place on a wire rack to cool for about 30 minutes before serving.
Serve with softly whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. Refrigerate leftovers and reheat before serving.
Makes 4 servings.