GOLDEN VALLEY, Minn. - Lisa O’Connell, Local Chef and founder of Sauce Anna Lisa is talking her favorite fall produce: apples. The creative chef and baker also shared this easy to make crock pot recipe perfect for fall gatherings.
Crock pot Crunchy Apples
6-8 Apples (medium to large in size) peeled, diced
¼ Cup brown sugar
1-Teaspoon Cinnamon
1-Teaspoon Vanilla
1-Teaspoon Lemon Juice
½ Teaspoon Nutmeg
Topping
1½ -Cup Oats
1-Cup AP flour
1/3-Cup Brown Sugar
1½-Teaspoon Cinnamon
8-Teaspoons butter, cut into small pieces
Coat crockpot dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray. In a medium bowl, toss diced apples, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice and vanilla to coat evenly.
In another medium sized bowl or just clean out the other one and re-use, add oats, flour, sugar, cinnamon and butter. Toss together until all ingredients are combined. You should have lumps of topping with the butter pieces.
Add apple mixture to crock pot dish and top with crumb topping. Cover the top of the crockpot with paper towels (to soak up any moisture) and top with lid. Cook on low for 3 hours turn off and allow to rest, uncovered for an hour or so. Enjoy warm or even cool, as a dessert, with vanilla ice cream. Another great way to serve is to serve on top of Greek yogurt or French toast for breakfast.
Apple, Bacon and Cheese Bites
2 Apples, cored, sliced into pieces (peeling optional)
8 Oz Goat or other spreadable cheese
6 Pieces Bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled or chopped into pieces
1-Cup Baby Arugula
2-Tablespoons lemon juice
Fresh cracked pepper
Balsamic Glaze *optional
Core, peel and slice apples, use more or fewer apples, for amount of servings desired. Toss apples in lemon juice to coat. This will prevent them from turning brown. Spread cheese on apple pieces, top with bacon bits and a piece or two of arugula. Garnish with fresh cracked pepper and balsamic glaze. Serve as an appetizer or snack.
Apple Salsa
2 Apples (tart variety medium) cored, diced (peel optional)
½-Cup Bell pepper, diced red, green or both
¼-Cup Cilantro, chopped (small handful)
½ Red onion, small, diced
1 Jalapeno pepper, diced
2 -Teaspoons lime juice (about 2 limes)
1-Teaspoon honey, agave or maple syrup
1-Teaspoon Apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar
Salt and pepper to taste
In a medium bowl, whisk together lime juice, honey, vinegar. Add diced apples, bell peppers, cilantro, onion and jalapeno. Toss to coat evenly. Salt and pepper to taste. Serve with chips or crusty bread. Also is delicious with roasted chicken breast, grilled pork chops, or roasted pork.