Apples:

3/4 cup light brown sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

2 1/2 tablespoons unbleached all-purpose flour

6 Granny smith apples, peeled, cored, cut into 1/2-inch thick wedges

8 Honey Crisp or Tango apples, peeled, cored, cut into 1/2-inch thick wedges

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 1/4-inch thick slices

Crumble Topping:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats, not instant

6-ounces (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted

1/4 cup + 1 tablespoon packed light brown sugar

Method:

To prepare the apples:

1.     In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, salt, and flour until evenly combined.

2.     In a separate large bowl, add the prepared apples and lemon juice. Add the cinnamon mixture to the apples and using clean dry hands, combine the apples with the cinnamon mixture until evenly combined. 

3.     Pour the apples into a pre-greased 8 x 12 x 2 1/2 – inch baking dish and smooth the apples on top into an even layer.

4.     Cut the butter into small pieces and evenly distribute across the top of the apples.

5.     Set to the side and prepare the crumble.

To prepare the crumble topping:

6.     In a medium bowl, mix together flour, oats, butter and brown sugar. Using clean dry hands, combine until crumbs the size of large peas form.

7.     Crumble over the top of the apples and place in preheated 375ºF oven. Bake until golden brown on top and the apples are bubbling, approximately 55 minutes – 1 hour.

8.     Remove from oven and allow to cool at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving.

9.     Serve hot with a heaping scoop of vanilla ice cream or fresh whipping cream.

Kitchen Note: If honey crisps aren’t in season, use any other firm sweet red apple (like Pink Lady or Opal) that will hold its shape during cooking. The key is a combination of tart (granny smith) and sweet (red). This is a standard fruit cobbler recipe that works great for pears and other seasonally inspired fruits. With that being said, use this as a template but keep in mind that some fruits yield more liquid than others and some are sweeter than others. To create your masterpiece, start with lots of patience and a little research before beginning. Happy baking!