Old Fashioned Apple-Nut Crisp

“Desserts” and “healthy” don’t usually go together, right? At least that’s what everyone thinks… However, there are numerous ways to make those desserts a little more “healthy”. Obviously moderation is still important but with the right substitutions, desserts can easily contain less fat and sugar and still taste good! I don’t know about you guys, but with the holiday season rolling around, my mouth waters at the thought of warm apple crisp. Listed below is an Old-Fashioned Apple-Nut Crisp that makes a few substitutions to create a “healthier” version.

Give it a try and tell us what you think!

Ingredients:

5 medium-large crisp, tart apples (McIntosh, Empire, Granny Smith or Cortland) peeled and thinly sliced (about 6 cups)

3 tablespoons granulated sugar, or Splenda Granular

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, divided

2/3 cup whole-wheat flour

1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats (not instant)

1/2 cup packed light brown sugar

2 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces

2 tablespoons canola oil

2 tablespoons frozen apple juice concentrate, thawed

1/3 cup coarsely chopped hazelnuts, or walnuts

Procedure:

Preheat oven to 375°F. Coat an 8x8in deep baking dish with cooking spray.

Combine apples with granulated sugar (or Splenda), lemon juice and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon in a large bowl. Toss to mix. Transfer to the prepared baking dish, cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, combine whole-wheat flour, oats, brown sugar and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon in a medium bowl. Mix to blend. Using your fingers (or a fork or pastry blender), cut in butter until evenly distributed and there are no chunks. Stir in oil, apple juice concentrate and nuts; toss well until evenly moistened and clumpy.

Remove the foil from the baking dish and scatter the topping evenly over the apples. Bake uncovered until the topping has browned and the fruit is soft and bubbling, about 30 minutes more. Let cool for at least 15 minutes before serving.

Recipe serves 8.

Nutrition Facts (per serving): 274 calories; 10 g fat (3 g sat); 8 mg cholesterol; 47 g carbohydrates; 3 g protein; 6 g fiber; 1 mg sodium; 231 mg potassium. -SY