Oatmeal-Apple Crisp

Going to the apple orchard has got to be the best thing about fall!  That sweet smell of fresh apples, tractor rides, children laughing, and then coming home with bushels of delicious fruit!  We know there's lots of work ahead, but the fruit of our labor will be pies, crisps, apple butter and sauces to last and share the whole year through.  This year, however was unlike any I've seen.  My favorite orchard reminded me of a ghost town.  I was the only one there as I claimed my allotted half bushel.  The owners wanted to be sure all their patrons were able to get at least a few apples.  I thought that was a nice idea.  I know many states were hit hard this spring, and Michigan alone lost about 80% of its crop.  So I was thankful for the few apples we were able to find, and for our hard working farmers!  Now as to this crisp........this has become a favorite with us.  I love it because it's not overly sweet.  It has great apple flavor and the whole wheat flour gives it a nutty texture.  All you need to top it off is a scoop of good vanilla ice cream and a hot cup of coffee!

1/2 cup whole wheat flour
3/4 cup quick oats
1/2 cup dark brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 cup (1 stick) cold butter, cut into pieces

7 to 8 cups sliced, peeled Granny Smith,
Northern Spy or other tart apple
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.  Whisk flour, oats, brown sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon into a medium bowl.  Cut in butter with a pastry blender or 2 forks until mixture resembles coarse meal.  Combine sliced apples, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon in another bowl.  Place in a 9x13 baking dish that has been coated with cooking spray.  Sprinkle with oat mixture.  Bake at 375 degrees for 30 minutes or until apple is tender.  Yield 10:  servings