Holiday’s are a time when most people look forward to eating delicious desserts. During the holidays is a critical time to be mindful when you are eating. Not to say to avoid deserts altogether but when eating something that is tantalizing be conscious
of the portion size and really savor the flavor and texture of what you are eating. Be aware of how much you are eating and try to be attentive not to overindulge.

Apple Crisp is a yummy dessert easy enough for a weeknight and scrumptious for a holiday such as Thanksgiving. As deserts go
apple crisp is on the healthier side. We use sucanat because it retains molasses combined with sugar which creates a dry sweetener with the vitamins, minerals and trace elements of the sugar cane plant and a lower sucrose level found in refined white and brown sugar. The crystals formed are bonded naturally, creating a granule which is easier to blend with other ingredients
creating a smooth texture in baked goods.

Ghee is also used which is an Ayurvedic Indian clarified butter where the milk solids and water are removed which makes it easier for
lactose intolerant people to digest. Ghee has a high amount of medium- and short-chain fatty acids making it healthier because cardiovascular problems are associated with long chain fats. Ghee has a higher smoke point; Ghee has a higher smoke point than butter between 400˚-500˚F (204˚-260˚C) which is beneficial when cooking at high heat.

Baking apple crisps create a wonderful smell in the house which can help lift your mood. Children will often be eager to help prepare a apple crisp because they will remember how delicious it was and will be delighted to help.

9 Portions

7 apples (granny smith, – sliced, skin on for increased nutritional value

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1/3 cup flour (whole wheat, brown rice flour or gluten free mix (Pamela’s baking mix)

1/2 cup sucanat

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

¼ teaspoon cardamom

¼ cup ghee (clarified butter)

1 cup rolled oats

Coconut milk ice cream optional

Chopped nuts optional

Cooking Directions:

1. Mix 7 cups of sliced apples with lemon juice and place in bottom of a 9×13 dish.
2. In a separate bowl, mix 1/3 cup gluten free or whole wheat flour, 1/3 cup sucanat, 1 tsp cinnamon, ¼
   tsp cardamom and ¼ cup ghee together until crumbly, using a pastry blender or
   your hands. Stir in oats and sprinkle mixture over apples. Set temperature to
   400 degrees and bake for 40 minutes.  Serve warm if desired with coconut milk ice
   cream. Sprinkle with chopped nuts optional.

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