October 23, 2012

Skillet Apple Crisp

Chocolate and peanut butter are my loves, but there is something homey about crisps and cobblers. This one from Brown-Eyed Baker caught my eye, probably because I have two cast-iron skillets I rarely (if ever) use.

This is an amazing apple crisp, probably the best I've ever eaten. It only takes one skillet that gets really dirty and comes together quickly.

Skillet Apple Crisp
Crisp
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup pecans, chopped fine
3/4 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 cup butter, melted
Filling
7 medium Golden Delicious apples, peeled, cored, halved, and cut into 1/2-inch-thick wedges
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 tsp. cinnamon
1 cup apple cider
2 tsp. lemon juice
2 Tbsp. butter

Preheat oven to 450°F. Combine the flour, pecans, oats, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon and salt in a medium bowl. Stir in the butter until the mixture is thoroughly moistened and crumbly. Set aside while preparing the filling.

Toss the apples, granulated sugar and cinnamon together in a large bowl and set aside. Bring the apple cider to a simmer in a 12-inch ovensafe skillet over medium heat. Cook until reduced to 1/2 cup, about 5 minutes. Transfer the reduced apple cider to a small bowl or liquid measuring cup, stir in the lemon juice and set aside.

Heat the butter in the now-empty skillet over medium heat. When the foaming subsides, add the apple mixture and cook, stirring frequently, until the apples begin to soften and become translucent, 12 to 14 minutes. (Do not fully cook the apples.) Remove the pan from the heat, and gently stir in the apple cider mixture until the apples are coated.

Sprinkle the topping evenly over the fruit, breaking up any large chunks. Place the skillet on a baking sheet and bake until the fruit is tender and the topping is deep golden brown, 15 to 20 minutes. Cool on a wire rack until warm, at least 15 minutes, and serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.Serves 6 to 8 (if you show restraint and don't devour the entire warm goodness.)

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