Apple Crisp Like Grandma Used to Make (1800s Style!)

 

Here's a recipe for Apple Crisp that would have been right at home on a homestead in the 1800s:

Ingredients:

• 4-6 apples (whatever kind you have on hand!) - peeled, cored, and sliced
• 1/2 cup flour (wheat flour was most common)
• 1/2 cup rolled oats (a readily available breakfast staple)
• 1/4 cup brown sugar (packed) - OR if you only have white sugar, use that!
• 1/4 cup cold butter
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (a popular spice)
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish (cast iron would be perfect if you have it!).
2. In the baking dish, toss your sliced apples with a squeeze of lemon juice (if you have any, it helps prevent browning).
3. In a separate bowl, mix the flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt together. Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, work the cold butter into the dry ingredients until it resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the apples in the baking dish.
5. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown.

Tips:

• You can add a splash of water or milk to the crumble topping if it seems too dry.
• For a richer flavor, add a tablespoon of chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans would be good choices) to the crumble topping.
• Serve warm with a dollop of cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream (if you have it!), or enjoy it plain for a simple and delicious dessert.

This recipe uses ingredients that would have been readily available on a homestead, and it's easy to adjust based on what you have on hand. Enjoy a taste of history!