No one has inspired me to experiment in the kitchen more than my grandmother. I always looked forward to visiting my grandparents – for their stories and warm hugs and life lessons of course – but also because, no matter the day or time of year, there was always something freshly baked being pulled from the oven, just in time for us to sample.
Over the years, there are so many dishes Granny has become known for – all of which my family, her friends, and their little town loves – that she took the time to create recipe books for all of us – gifting them to the grandchildren when we head off on our own – and I couldn’t be more thankful. When I plan on making something, I always head straight for her cookbook first and flip through the hundreds of recipes until I find what I need, because chances are, it’s there.
What I love about her recipes – which are a mix of her own, those handed down to her by friends or family, or found in various other cookbooks and magazines – are that, the majority of the time, they require simple ingredients, are based on straightforward, no-fuss directions, come together quickly, and are affordable.
One of my favorites to whip up at summer’s end and through the fall is her super simple apple crisp recipe. It instantly warms our entire home with the scent of cinnamon sugar apples and is a perfect dish to bring to a fall gathering.
Apple Crisp
Ingredients
For Filling:
- 6-7 large, tart apples
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tsp. cinnamon
For Topping:
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 3/4 cup flour
- 1/3 cup butter or margarine
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350ºF.
- Pare apples, cut into slices, and arrange in a lightly greased 8×8 inch pan.
- Mix the first 1/2 cup of sugar with the cinnamon and sprinkle over the apples.
- In a small bowl, mix together the other 1/2 cup of sugar with the flour (I like to add a few extra dashes of cinnamon here, too.) Cut in the butter with a pastry blender or fork until mixture is crumbly.
- Sprinkle mixture over the apples.
- Bake 45-60 minutes, or until apples are fork tender.
Recipe can be doubled and made in a 9×13 inch pan.
That’s it! So simple.
What are some of your favorite recipes passed down from a loved one?
xo, Aly