Apple Crisp with Optional “Caramelized Sauce”

Filling

5-7       firm, tart apples, peeled, cored, and sliced (Golden Delicious, for example)

4          tablespoons organic brown rice syrup

-OR-

2          tablespoons pure agave syrup

1          teaspoon cinnamon

Canola oil, high heat, or pure grapeseed oil or other

 

Topping

2          cups old-fashioned rolled oats (not instant)

½         cup organic whole wheat pastry flour

2/3       cup chopped pecans

1          teaspoon cinnamon

1/8       teaspoon sea salt

½         cup organic brown rice syrup

¼-1/3   cup pure agave syrup

¼-1/3   cup high-heat canola oil or other healthy high-heat oil

For Filling

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees; lightly oil pyrex or tempered glass baking dish. Toss apple slices with sweetener and cinnamon. Spread apple slices in prepared baking dish.

For Topping

In a large mixing bowl, combine dry ingredients — oats, flour, chopped pecans, cinnamon, and sea salt – then mix in wet ingredients — brown rice syrup, agave, and oil. Spread over apple slices (you might need to dampen your fingers to do so.) Bake for 40-45 minutes or until apples are tender and topping is golden.

Optional: “Caramelized” Sauce

½         cup organic brown rice syrup

2-3       tablespoons creamy almond butter

1          teaspoon pure vanilla

Pinch   sea salt

2          tablespoons unsweetened oat, almond, or cashew “milk”

Heat rice syrup in a large sauce pan over medium heat until just boiling. Allow to boil another 30-60 seconds. Turn off flame and whisk in almond butter, butter, and salt until smooth, even texture. Pour in oat, almond, soy, or cashew milk and store “caramelized” sauce in a glass jar (leave uncovered until cool.)

Adapted from A Banquet of Health by Penny B. Block, PhD