Chunky Applesauce
Even though Chicago summers can be brutal, the end is always a little bittersweet: putting away shorts and tank tops, saying goodbye to beach towels and outdoor chairs, adjusting to the cooler evening temperatures.
But there’s one thing that always puts me in the mood for fall, and that’s apple recipes! Fresh apples are one of the best parts about autumn, and I love to use them in everything from oatmeal to baked chicken. The possibilities are endless when it comes to easy, delicious apple recipes; it’s a fabulous way to enjoy the fall flavors, whether you’re partial to Red Delicious, Gala, Braeburn or Granny Smith varieties.
I look forward to apple-picking season, which usually begins in early September and can last through November. I had a chance to go apple-picking this past weekend while in southern Illinois for a family wedding, and there is nothing that compares to a juicy apple straight off the tree. (Oh, I know you’re not supposed to but come on, how do you resist?!)
Apple Pie Parfaits
I brought home a few bags of apples (plus some apple cider and peach preserves), so I’m looking forward to taking the “an apple a day” mantra to new heights this month! Since apples keep well in the fridge for up to three weeks, I don’t feel rushed to use them all right away. More time for me to experiment with the huge variety of yummy apple recipes on MrFood.com! But I have picked out my favorite autumn dessert that I can’t wait to make first: Apple Crunch Cobbler.
Best served over warm vanilla ice cream, this cobbler recipe showcases the tart, sweet apples in combination with a crunchy, doctored-up granola. I’ve never tried making a dessert in my slow cooker; usually stews, roasts and chilis come to mind when I think slow cooker recipes. But this recipe seems perfect for me – easy, easy, easy! The slow cooker does all the work for me and I’m left with a delicious dessert that tastes like it took all day to make. A fantastic fall recipe you’ll love, this Apple Crunch Cobbler makes a super end to any meal!
Serves: 8
Cooking Time: 6 hr
Ingredients
- 4 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled and sliced
- 3 cups granola cereal, divided
- 1/2 cup golden raisins
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 cup chopped walunts, toasted
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 8 cups vanilla ice cream
Instructions
- Place apples in a lightly greased 4-quart slow cooker. Combine 2 cups granola cereal and next 8 ingredients in a medium bowl; sprinkle over apples. Cover and cook on LOW setting 6 hours.
- Combine remaining 1 cup granola cereal, the walnuts, and 1/4 cup brown sugar. Serve apples over vanilla ice cream, and sprinkle with granola topping.
