Anatomy Of A Healthy Apple Crumble

It’s been over a week since we went apple picking and it was just this past weekend that I finally got around to doing a bit more with the apples beyond stuffing them into my kids’ lunch boxes. Last night I made the simplest, most delicious apple crumble for my family that I adapted from an ancient Cooking Light recipe I've held onto for years. The great thing about this crumble other than its easy assembly is that it is naturally sweetened and is loaded with all kinds of super healthy ingredients. Actually, I’m wrong, the greatest thing about making this apple crumble is serving it to my family for breakfast the following morning. If you are lucky enough to have leftovers, serve this apple crumble warmed in the microwave for breakfast along with a big scoop of vanilla low-fat yogurt – it is a healthy, guilt-free surprise for the kids – certainly a fun way to start off the school week. They’ll think you’ve gone crazy and decided to serve dessert for breakfast (we’ll keep the secret between us)!

Now for the anatomy of a crumble. A couple of reason why this crumble is not only good to eat, but good for you too.

An Apple A Day…
Yes, you’ve heard the adage so many times before, but thankfully there is some truth to it. Well, why are apples so good for us to eat? Apples are comprised of several key components (pectin, anti-oxidants like quercetin, flavonoids such as phloridzin), which each play a starring role in protecting our bodies from everything from certain cancers, Alzheimer’s, heart disease, bad cholesterol, weight gain, as well as apples provide bone protection.

For more detailed information on the benefits of apples go to: Health Benefits of Apples

Three Cheer(ios) For Oats
For anyone who's been following my blog for a couple of weeks already knows I’ve talked about the benefits of oats at nauseam– in fact, I devoted an entire week praising its benefits. Real quick, oats are an awesome source of whole grains that help to protect against certain cancers and heart disease. Oats have also been proven to lower bad cholesterol and keep the digestive system running smoothly.

Nuts About Nuts
Nuts are loaded in protein, minerals and bad cholesterol fighting compounds. While nuts are pretty high in fat it is the heart-healthy kind so as long as you eat them in moderation, a little goes a long way in protecting your body and helping to control your weight. This recipe calls for walnuts, which is a particularly beneficial nut because it contains a significant amount of heart-healthy Omega-3 fat. Just 1 oz. of walnuts will give you all the Omega-3 needed for a day.

Now let's get to the eating.

Maple-Walnut Apple Crumble
Adapted from Cooking Light
Serves 9

• 1/3 cup whole wheat pastry flour (you can use all purpose if you prefer)
  
• ½ cup packed light brown sugar
  
• 1/3 cup regular oats
  
• ¼ t ground cinnamon
  
• ¼ cup chilled butter, cut into small pieces
  
• 3 T walnuts pieces
  
• 7 cups sliced, peeled apples
  
• ¼ cup pure maple syrup
  
• 1/2 t ground cinnamon

Preheat oven to 375.




Combine flour, brown sugar, oats, and ¼ teaspoon cinnamon in small bowl. With a pastry blender, two knives or the tips of your fingers work in the butter until large crumbs form. Side aside.

Combine apples, maple syrup and remaining cinnamon in large bowl, toss to coat. Place apples in an 8 inch square baking pan or dish.

Sprinkle apples with crumble mixture and bake for 35-45 minutes until golden brown. Serve warm.

Note: On Friday I spent three hours peeling and slicing apples for a community service pie sale event. While I came with the same ole' vegetable peeler I've been using for years, there was another woman helping out who had the coolest peeler I've ever seen. This peeler is designed to sit in the palm of your hand and it slips onto your finger. Let's just say, she was effortlessly plowing way through her pile of apples while I felt I was barely making a dent in mine. I found it at Amazon in case you want to check it out for yourself. Chef'n Palm Peerler