A Fall Favorite: Individual Apple Crisps

by Dani Spies

Apples are by far one of my favorite fall foods! And I like them even better when they’re baked into a sweet, warm, ooey, gooey apple crisp.  My only challenge is that I love eating Apple Crisp so much that I sometimes forget when to put my fork down (please tell me I’m not alone here!).

Now, since taking apple crisp off of my fall menu is not an option, I had to ask myself, "How can I have my crisp and eat it too?"  Well, the good news is that the answer is quiet simple. For starters, I choose ingredients that nourish my body.  Foods like high fiber rolled oats, vitamin E-rich wheat germ and heart healthy walnuts are a great way to create a dessert that I know I can feel good about eating! 

The second part of the equation is moderation!  As nutritious as a dessert can be, too much is too much so I have to be aware of my portion size.  By creating these individual sized portions I don’t have to worry about eating more than my fair share of the pie!  The hard work is done for me so that all I need to do is pull out my fork and enjoy.  It’s a win-win.

Oh but wait!  I still haven’t told you my favorite thing about making the individual sized portions...they’re easy to freeze.  All you have to do is cover the tops with some plastic wrap and pop them in the freezer.  Then the next time you are in the mood for some hot, homemade apple crisp just pull one out and pop it in the oven until the apples are bubbly and the tops are golden brown.  This is a really easy way to impress your friends and neighbors without having to wipe any sweat off your brow.

So as the autumn air gets cool and crisp, be sure you get in your kitchen and give these sweet, delicious and nutritious treats a try.  I promise, you’ll be happy you did!

Individual Apple Crisps
Serves 4

4 apples, cut into small bite size pieces (about 3 cups)
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp cornstarch
1/2 cup rolled oats
1/4 cup wheat germ
3 tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
A pinch of salt
A pinch of nutmeg
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
1 tbsp coconut oil
1 tbsp maple syrup

1. Preheat oven to 350. Combine apples, lemon juice, brown sugar and cornstarch in a medium bowl.

2.  Lightly spray four 3.5-ounce ramekins with cooking spray and divide the apples evenly into each of the four dishes.

3.  In a separate bowl, mix together the oats, wheat germ, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, nutmeg, and walnuts.  Stir in the oil and maple syrup and combine well until the mixture is moist.

4.  Top each of the ramekins with a couple tablespoons of the crisp topping and place in to the oven for twenty minutes or until the tops are golden brown and the apples are cooked through.  Enjoy!

Dani Spies is a Health and Food Coach, Fitness Trainer, and Healthy Recipe Developer living in Los Angeles, CA. Visit www.danispies.com for more clean, simple, and d'lishes recipes, videos, and healthy cooking tips.