It's not a Beauty Contest

Sometimes it's all about that taste, not the looks. When it comes to this recipe, that's a good thing, because this is all creams and browns and monotone. Not that it matters when you put a bite in your mouth. Then, it sings. Tart notes, rich, sweet, the ineffable umami...

Apple Crisp

I bought a bag of apples at our grocery, and while usually their produce is very good, these apples were beyond overripe. I tossed two that weren't going to be good eats, and got down to peeling and slicing. I used about 5 apples for this recipe, keeping it small. I preheated the oven to 375 deg F, and got out a glass casserole dish, about 8"diameter. You could use a pie plate, or a larger dish if you're making enough for a family.

These apples were past being eating out-of-hand goodies. But they baked up nicely.

Apple Filling

• 4-5 apples, peeled, sliced, and cored

• 1 tbsp butter

• 1-2 tbsp brown sugar

• 2 tbsp flour

Taste a bit of the apple to determine how sweet they are, keeping in mind that the baking process will release more sugars, and adjust your sugar accordingly. Because the topping is quite sweet, you won't need much in with the apples themselves. Toss the apple slices with the other ingredients until well coated. Place in the baking dish.

Flour, sugar, butter, and apples.

Struesel Topping

• 1/2 c flour

• 1/2 c brown sugar

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

• 4 tbsp butter, chilled

Cut the butter into the flour and sugar with cinnamon until it is in pieces smaller than a pea. Sprinkle the topping over the apple slices evenly.

Struesel topping doesn't look like much. But you can make it in large batches and freeze it for handy use later.

Put in the oven at 375 deg F and bake for 30 minutes. Check to see if the filling is bubbling and the top has browned. A glass dish is nice here, as you can see the caramelization happening. If necessary, cook another 10 minutes (you will need the longer time for larger amounts). Remove from oven and set to cool. Note: filling is very hot at this point, more like LAVA FLAMING than mmm delicious apply goodness. Let it cool, for goodness sakes!

Caramelization and Lava bubbles... well, ok, hot sugar syrup. Same thing, really.

Serve while still warm. It is excellent in a bowl with a bit of whipped cream or just cream on it. Ice cream is good also. For those of us who are limited in their dairy consumption, I can assure you that vanilla frozen yogurt pairs beautifully with this dish.

This serves two. Three, if you are feeling altruistic and have a friend over. It won't serve four unless you are willing to risk hard feelings.

It still doesn't look like much, but when you spoon it out the slightly crispy topping combines with the tart apples and caramel syrup and mmmmmmmmmmm!