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Simple Pecan Crumble and Baked Apples

The Washington Post, May 14, 2010

I Spice

  • Course: Dessert

Summary:

Pecan crumble is one of the easiest desserts to pull together quickly, and all of the ingredients are
pantry staples. The crisp topping is great for stuffing apples or on top of a baked fruit crumble (double this recipe for the latter).

This recipe calls for dried chamomile flowers, which are available through Amazon.com and at the Spice and Tea Exchange of Alexandria (571-312-8505).

The apples can be substituted with peaches or apricots in the summer.

MAKE AHEAD: The pecan topping can be frozen in a resealable plastic food storage bag for up to 6 months.

4 servings

Ingredients:

  • 4 medium tart apples, partially cored so the bottoms remain intact
  • 1/2 cup whole-wheat pastry flour
  • 1/2 cup raw oats
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup pecan pieces, coarsely chopped
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons dried chamomile flowers, crushed (see headnote)
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
  • Vanilla ice cream, for serving

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Arrange the cored apples upright in a snug baking dish.

Combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, pecans, cinnamon, chamomile flowers, nutmeg, salt and butter in a medium bowl. Use your fingertips to massage the mixture until it forms coarse crumbs and larger clumps.

Use the mixture to fill each hollowed core, packing the filling down and piling a little on top. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, until the apples are soft and easily pierced with a sharp knife.

Serve warm, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Recipe Source:

From "Urban Pantry: Tips and Recipes for a Thrifty, Sustainable & Seasonal Kitchen," by Amy Pennington (Skipstone, 2010).

Tested by Monica Bhide for The Washington Post.
E-mail the Food Section with recipe questions.

(Sala Kannan)
Nutrition Facts
Serving size: Per serving (not including ice cream)
Calories: 470
% Daily Values*
Total Fat: 23g 35
Saturated Fat: 12g 60
Cholesterol: 45mg 15
Sodium: 160mg7
Total Carbohydrates: 65g 22
Dietary Fiber: 7g 28
Sugar: 41g
Protein: 4g
*Percent Daily Value based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Total Fat: Less than65g
Saturated Fat: Less than20g
Cholesterol: Less than300mg
Sodium:Less than2,400mg
Total Carbohydrates: 300g
Dietary Fiber: 25g
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