Autumn Apple Crisp (Gluten-Free)
Apples are an excellent source of soluble fiber, which helps to nourish the friendly bacteria in our gut promoting a healthy gut biome. The lemon or lime rind is an essential ingredient…adding a refreshing zest as well as limonene, which increases the activity of detoxification enzymes. Limonene can also taste bitter, so you might want to try the recipe first with less zest and gradually work your way up to the full 2 tablespoons over time.
- 6 tbsp butter, preferably organic, divided
- 8 medium apples (about 10-12 cups cut-up)
- Zest of 1 lemon or 2 large limes
- 2 tbsp. lemon or lime juice
- ¾ cup brown sugar, divided
- 1 ½ cups rolled oats, divided
- 1 ½ tsp. cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- ½ tsp. salt
Heat the oven to 375-degrees F. Wash, core, and cut the apples into bite-size chunks (leaving skin on). Grate (with zester) the skin off 1 lemon or 2 limes (to make 2 tbsp zest). Juice the lemon or limes (to make 2 tbsp). Mix together the apple chunks, zest, citrus juice, and ¼ cup sugar (preferably brown sugar for added flavor). Set aside.
Butter a 9-x14-inch oven-safe glass or ceramic dish with some of the butter. Grate or chop the rest. (I keep my butter frozen to keep it fresh, so easy to grate).
In a small food processor, grind ¾ cup of oats to powder consistency. Then mix together briefly the oat powder, butter, the remaining ½ cup brown sugar and ¾ cup rolled oats, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. You can either mix the oat topping together by hand or use a food processor. If you use a food processor, be careful not to over-mix, as you do not want to create a fine powder.
Pour the fruit mixture into the greased baking dish and cover with oat mixture. Bake at 375-degrees for 40-45 minutes (or until the top is lightly browned and the apples are bubbling).
Makes 12 servings. Each serving provides about 210 calories, 2g protein, 8g fat (5g sat), 20 mg cholesterol, 34g carbohydrate (24g sugar,2g fiber), 25 mg calcium, 20 mg magnesium, 155 mg sodium, 157 mg potassium.