Apple Crisp

   Although it is spring,and the weather is supposed to be beautiful this week,it is still chilly!So why not warm up with a delicious apple crisp for dessert tonight?This is an Ina Garten recipe that I have made into individual portions rather than one large crisp.Either way,it will warm your heart and your taste buds!

Filling Ingredients:
5 lbs. of chopped apples(I used Granny Smith,Gala & Macintosh)
zest of one lemon
zest of one orange
2 tbsp. fresh  lemon juice
2 tbsp. fresh orange juice
1/2 c. sugar
2 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp nutmeg(I like to use fresh,but ground is fine)

Topping:
1-1/2 c. flour
3/4 c. sugar
3/4 c. brown sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
1 c. oatmeal
1/2 lb. unsalted butter,cubed and very cold
   

   Combine the apples with all of the above filling ingredients.Mix well to make sure the apples are coated.Pour into a greased 9x14x2 baking dish,or grease individual ramekins and pour some filling into each dish. Sprinkle the topping on each crisp and place onto a baking sheet(to prevent spills in your oven),and bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour if making a large crisp, or if making the individual crisps,bake for 30 minutes,until golden and bubbly.Serve warm with ice-cream.

Topping:
   Mix all of the topping ingredients together in the bowl of your mixer until it is crumbly and is about the size of peas.Sprinkle on top of the crisp and bake as directed.

***This is a great dessert to make ahead. Before baking,wrap well with plastic wrap,and freeze until needed.Bake directly from freezer until golden & bubbly.(This may require 10-15 minutes more of cooking time than the original recipe).
***The topping is great for all types of crisps.If you have any leftover,place in a freezer bag,freeze,and keep on hand for when needed.It is delicious on top of a peach, or blueberry crisp.Of course,this may be made ahead and kept frozen for 3 months.