Apple Crisp

The girl started grade 2 last week and as much as I was looking forward to having a few larger blocks of time to write and take photographs (and let's be honest, do laundry and other chores around here that need doing), I do miss hanging out with my girl. 

The day before she went back to school we made some apple crisp together.

We like to cook together. And in my devious mommy mind, I use cooking for her to practice her reading and math skills. She reads the recipe and tells me what we need to do next. Measuring cups and spoons are wonderful for teaching fractions and proportions.

It's fall so the perfect recipe is apple crisp. Take 7 or so apples - cooking apples, not eating ones. The latter will be too soft and bland once cooked. 

Peel, core and slice the apples. Toss them with 4 tbsp of lemon juice (about one whole lemon) and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Surprise ingredient, eh? Trust me, it adds a lot to the flavour.

For the topping stir together one cup quick cooking oats, one cup brown sugar and 1/2 tsp of ground cinnamon. Add 1/2 cup softened butter and mix it together by hand. This is the girl's favourite part. Mine too!

Bake at 375F for 40 minutes or until the apples are soft. If they aren't yet soft but the topping has browned, toss on some tin foil to cover it.

Let it cool off a bit and add some vanilla ice cream.

What I love about this recipe is that it's easy and you can do it with your kids. Perfect for breakfast or toss into their lunch. 

How about you? Do you cook with your kids? Do you eat desserts for breakfast like I do? Ready to share?