Apple Crisp

Did you know today was National Dessert Day? Well it was.

Today was also a rainy Monday, and I am still hurting from this weekend's unexpected sadness, but nothing warms the heart and fills the tummy quite like a heaping serving of hot, made-from-scratch apple crisp with a couple generous scoops vanilla ice cream (okay, frozen yogurt, but still just as yummy). My mom is the best for making us this treat on our last night at home (okay, that's probably not why she's the best, but it keeps her at the top of the "best" list ;) )

Yummiest Apple Crisp Recipe

[Servings: probably 8-ish big ones!]

 Apple Mixture (AKA the best part, in my brother's opinion):

10 cups apples, peeled and sliced
1/4 cup lemon juice
3/4 cup sugar

Topping Mixture (AKA the best part, in my opinion): 

1 1/2 sticks butter
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups light brown sugar
1 1/2 cups oats
2 tablespoon lemon zest
1 tablespoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon vegetable oil or cooking spray

Directions:

Combine all ingredients for apple mixture in a bowl.

In another bowl, cut the butter into the flour and stir in remaining topping ingredients.

Spray interior of glass pan (we used an 11 X 7 inch) with cooking spray or wipe with vegetable oil.  Spread apple mixture in bottom of pan.  Top with topping mixture.  Bake at 350 degrees for approximately 50 minutes.  Continue cooking until apples are cooked and topping is brown.  Serve warm with ice cream, unless you are crazy like John and hate hot and cold combinations like dessert a la mode (I guess opposites attract...).