DISHING OUT AUTUMN

APPLE CRISP IN THE AIR

By Carmen Greger

There’s a palpable shift in the air when fall arrives. Can you feel it? A gentle kiss of a chilly breeze, the distant rustle of leaves, and the deep, golden hues painting the trees – autumn is a season of transformation.

It whispers promises of campfires and coziness, of treats and tales shared beneath the crimson canopy of the trees. As the landscape undergoes its metamorphosis, so do our palates, longing for the flavors that define this cherished season.

Imagine: strolling through an orchard, the crunch of fallen leaves beneath your feet, and the gentle weight of a basket in your hand. Apple picking isn’t just a delightful fall activity; it’s an experience, a tradition. It’s the thrill of searching for the perfect apple, feeling its smooth skin, and plucking it from the tree with a satisfying snap.

The horses or the occasional tractor pulling eager apple pickers on wagons are all part of this picturesque scene. Their laughter, the joy of kids with apples almost too big for their tiny hands, makes it all the more enchanting.

Now, not just any orchard will do. There’s something special about picking apples from an organic orchard, one that champions sustainability and refrains from using harmful herbicides and pesticides. The taste? Unparalleled. You’re not just biting into a juicy apple; you’re biting into a philosophy, a promise of purity.

Apples come in a plethora of varieties, each with its unique taste and texture. But when it comes to apple crisp? Ah, that’s where the magic lies. The tartness of Granny Smiths, the sweetness of Honeycrisps, or the balanced flavor of Braeburns make them ideal contenders.

There’s a crisp in the air, signaling not only the changing season but the delight of apple crisp awaiting in your oven: It’s only fitting we indulge in some.

The Perfect Apple Crisp Recipe

Organic, Gluten & Dairy-Free

Ingredients:

• 6 cups of sliced and peeled McIntosh, Braeburn, Gala, or Cortland apples.
• ¾ cup granulated coconut sugar.
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon.
• ½ cup gluten-free old-fashioned rolled oats.
• ⅓ cup almond flour.
• ¼ cup coconut oil, melted.
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup.

Instructions:

• Prepare the Apples: In a large mixing bowl, toss together the apple slices, ½ cup of coconut sugar, and ground cinnamon until well combined.
• Preheat & Layer: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the apple mixture into a greased 8×8-inch baking dish.
• Make the Topping: In another bowl, mix the oats, almond flour, remaining coconut sugar, melted coconut oil, and maple syrup until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
• Crumble & Bake: Sprinkle the oat mixture evenly over the apples. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the top is golden brown and apples are bubbly.
• Serve & Savor: Allow to cool slightly, then serve warm. Enjoy the embodiment of fall in each bite!

As Halloween approaches, let the festivities of pumpkin hunting and carving fill your days. Drench yourself in the thrill of haunted hayrides, the mysteries of corn mazes, and the joy of sipping hot apple cider by a roaring campfire, maybe even making s’mores.

Remember, as the world outside transforms, so can your culinary adventures. Autumn is more than a season; it’s an experience, a tradition, a memory in the making. Embrace it and savor it completely and wholeheartedly!

In Autumn, the world paints itself in hues of gold, crimson, and sienna. You can feel a crisp edge to the wind as it rustles through the trees, urging the leaves to take their ceremonial plunge.

With the season comes a cascade of traditions that weave into the very fabric of our being, reminding us of the cyclical nature of life and the beauty of transformation.As the aroma of the apple crisp fills your home, you’ll find yourself enveloped in the essence of autumn.

As we journey further into ‘Dishing Out Autumn,’ we will guide you through a world of fall-inspired treats.

Here’s a little nibble on what’s to come:

• Comforting Pumpkin Bread after a day of pumpkin hunting and carving.
• A spicy Thai Curry Soup post haunted hayride.
• Delicate Poached Pears to follow an evening by the campfire making s’mores.
• The nutty flavor of Roasted Brussel Sprouts after navigating a corn maze.
• The whimsical FallDorf Salad, our autumnal answer to the classic Waldorf.
• And as the nights get colder, what better than a bowl of Turkey or Veggie Chili, paired perfectly with a slice of Vegan, Gluten-Free Cornbread topped with fruit compote?

Stay tuned, because this fall, we’re not just watching leaves change, we’re savoring the very essence of the season.