Apple Crisp

Background:

When I make jam, I often have some syrup left in the pot which would make the jam too runny – so I skim it off. However there are lots of good uses for that syrup – pouring it on pancakes or ice cream and also this wonderful recipe that I got from the Prepared Pantry Website ( www.preparedpantry.com) from whom I buy lots of bread mixes for my bread machine. Yes I believe in short cuts – which work marvels for working moms and dads ( and grandparents too!). Of course my grandchildren LOVE to cook with me.

Ingredients:

Filling:

8 medium baking apples peeled, cored, and cut into chunks (about 6 cups)

1/4 cup flour

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 cup brown sugar, packed

1 cup fruit juice concentrate – I use my leftover syrup from jam making – any kind – which I store in the fridge or in ice-trays in the freezer!

1 teaspoon vanilla or other flavor

Topping:

1 1/4 cups Panko bread crumbs

1/3 cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/3 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup butter, cut into small pieces

Directions :

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

1. Peel, core and cut apples into 1/4-inch thick slices.
2. In a large bowl, mix the 1/4 cup flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon together.  Add the apple pieces and toss.  Melt the concentrate and add that and the flavor or extract to the mixture.  Stir to coat evenly.  Spread the apple mixture evenly into a greased 9 x 9-inch pan.
3. Combine the Panko, remaining cinnamon, the 1/3 cup granulated sugar, and 1/3 cup flour in a medium bowl. Cut in the butter with a pastry knife until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.  Sprinkle the topping evenly over fruit.
4. Bake for 35 minutes.  The apples should be tender and the topping crisp.  Cool in the pan on a wire rack.
5. Serve hot with ice cream or whipped cream.