Paula & Betty's Apple Crisp

WhoooHooo!!  Two recipes in a row and I don't consider myself much of a chef!   Last year we had what seemed like tons of apples.  Some of the family liked my old recipe, but some had been out in the world and liked a more pie-like apple crisp.  So, I combined two recipes - one from Paula Deen and one from Betty Crocker (thus the name!).   Now, everyone is happy.  I made a batch today so thought I'd share it with you.

Paula & Betty's Apple Crisp

Bottom of apple crisp:
3/4 cup light brown sugar
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspon ground cinnamon
7 medium apples, peeled, cored and thinly sliced

As I prepare the apples, I mix them in a water/fruit preserver mixture but you could also use the juice of 1 lemon.  In another bowl, mix together the brown sugar, flour, cinnamon.  You could also add freshly ground nutmeg, to taste.  If you used the water/fruit preserver mixture, drain the apples.  Stir the sugar mixture to evenly coat the apples. 

Spread in bottom of 9X13 pan.

Topping:
1 - 1-1/2 cups brown sugar
1 cup flour
1 cup rolled oats
2/3 cup softened butter
1-1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1-1/2 teaspoons ground nutmeg, optional

Mix together until crumbly.  (I don't know if I should use more flour.  Mine is usually not real crumbly - but it tastes good!)

Sprinkle over apples.

Bake at 375 degrees for 30-45 minutes - until top is golden and apples are tender.

Best served warm with ice cream on top.

Church Apple

I was waiting at the church last evening while two of my guys had choir practice.  There was a ceramic fruit book end on the bookcase nearby.  I looked up from my Sudoku puzzle book and noticed that the cross window was reflecting on the apple.  All I had was my phone.  The photo might not be quality, but I captured what I wanted!  We often see photos of apples with light reflection (like the one closer to the leaf here) but the cross reflection was striking to me. 

Ranch report:  Calving has slowed down for the time being.  We have only had one calf in the last 2 days.   It was born on my shift overnight.   I am sure I would have missed her as she laid in the straw so comfy looking.  Lucky for me Rufus (one of our dogs) scooted past her and she stood up.  Oops, there was a water bubble.  So, I let her be for about 1/2 an hour, then back out to check.  She was cleaning her BIG calf.  Brett helped me get the pair into the barn out of the weather.  We have a big sled that is designed to hold the calf (it is a larger, tougher version of a kid one).  We load the calf into the sled and pull it (just like you would for  your kids) to the barn.  Hopefully the mom will follow without a problem.  That is not always the case, but it was this time! 

It looks like the cattle that were A.I.ed (artificially inseminated) are almost done.  It will be a week or two and the rest of the herd (naturally bred) will start.  We will have about 250 calves when calving is done.