Apple Crisp and a Cute Gift

I totally scored at a white elephant holiday party for PEP, a non-profit us mummies volunteer for. I brought an awful re-gift I had been dying to get out of the house (hey, it was supposed to be something from around the house) and ended up with the best gift at the party. How cute is this? I am definitely going to be using this idea as a hostess gift or holiday gift in the near future. It's inexpensive and original and turns into something delicious. The recipe is so simple and turned out to be one of the best apple crisps I've had. All the recipient has to do is add the butter. Here's what you do:

Place the apples in the baking dish. Combine the flour, sugars, spices, and salt in a zip-top baggie. Write the recipe on a nice piece of paper and pop it and the baggie in the dish with the apples. Tye it all up with a big bow to finish it off.

Recipe adapted from Joy of Baking.

Apple Crisp *If you're using this as a gift, you don't need to write all the ingredients/directions. Skip the steps you've already completed.

Topping:

1/2 cup (65 grams) all purpose flour
1/4 cup (50 grams) granulated white sugar
1/4 cup (55 grams) light brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon fresh or ground nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon salt

6 tablespoons (84 grams) unsalted butter, cut into pieces

1/3 cup (30 grams) old-fashioned rolled oats (optional)

Filling:
2 1/2 pounds (1.2 kg) or 6 cups Granny Smith Apples or other firm, tart-tasting apple (peeled, cored, and cut into 1 inch (2.54 cm) chunks)

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) and place rack in the center of the oven. Butter or spray with a cooking spray, a 9 inch (23 cm) deep dish pie plate or an 8 x 8 x 2 inch (20 x 20 x 5 cm) baking dish. (Can also make 8 individual ramekins.) Set aside.

For Topping: Place all the topping ingredients (flour, sugars, spices, butter, oats and nuts) in a food processor and process until the mixture is crumbly (looks like coarse meal) and there are no large pieces of butter visible. (This can also be done with two knives or your fingertips.) Set aside while you prepare the filling.

For Filling: Place the apple chunks in a large bowl, along with the berries (if using) and lemon zest. Toss with the lemon juice and sugar. Transfer to your prepared baking dish Spread the topping evenly over the apples.

Bake for approximately 30-40 minutes or until bubbly, and the topping is golden brown. Remove from oven and place on a wire rack to cool for about 30 minutes before serving.

Serve with softly whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. Refrigerate leftovers and reheat before serving.

Makes 4-6 servings.