~ Apple Raisin Pecan Crisp with Calvados Cream ~
It’s October, and in my book, that means it’s time for apple crisp. When it comes to a good recipe, I follow the popular adage: If it’s not broken, then don’t fix it. A fruit crisp should contain seasonal fruit at it’s peak in flavor, enhanced with a dusting of sugar and spice. The topping should be crisp, crumbly and not cloyingly sweet, allowing the natural sugar of the fruit to shine through. As for the garnish, I prefer the lightness of whipped cream to rich ice cream. I barely sweeten it so it won’t compete with the crisp, and I always fortify it with a nip of spirits dictated by the fruit of choice.
Apple Raisin Pecan Crisp with Calvados Cream
Serves 8
Topping:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup (packed) light brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup unsalted butter, chilled, cut in pieces
1/2 cup pecans (optional)
Filling:
8 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, cut in 3/4-inch chunks
1 cup raisins
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Calvados Cream:
1 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1 1/2 tablespoons Calvados Brandy
For the topping: Combine the flour, sugars, cinnamon, cardamom and salt in bowl of a food processor. Briefly pulse once or twice to combine. Add the pecans and pulse a few times to break them up in large pieces. Add the butter and pulse until the topping resembles coarse meal. (Topping may be made up to one day in advance. Cover and refrigerate until use).
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Combine the apples and raisins in a large bowl. Add the remaining ingredients and toss to combine. Transfer fruit to a 9-by-13 inch gratin dish or 8 (3/4 cup) ramekins. Cover evenly with the topping. Bake in the oven until topping is golden brown and fruit is bubbling, about 50 minutes for 1 large dish or 40 minutes for ramekins. Remove from oven and cool slightly before serving. Serve warm or at room temperature with Calvados Cream.
For the Calvados Cream:
Beat cream in the bowl of electric mixer until whisk traces are visible in the cream. Add the sugar and Calvados. Continue to beat until soft peaks form.
You and your fabulous fruit crisps – this is a perfect fall dessert. Love the touch of Calvados…
Divine! This is such a great combo.
Cheers,
Rosa
Delicious! And the brandy in the the whipping cream is the icing on the cake.
Oh I can’t resist melting ice cream on warm apple crisp but I certainly wouldn’t say no to Calvados Cream! A marvelous ode to fall, apple crisp is an outstanding treat!
Fortified with a nip of spirits…..atta girl!
I’m not sure the Calvados cream would ever make it out of the bowl. But then, I’m not sure these crisps would make it to the table. They sound wonderful.
How did this one slip by me without notice?! Good thing we picked 20 pounds of apples last week and a good few are still hanging around! All over this one.