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Simple fall pleasures: This apple crisp has all the aromas of autumn

One simple fall pleasure: The cozy smell of baking apples. My oldest son gets all the credit for this dessert. After a wonderful autumn day of apple picking, he asked for a yummy apple dessert, inspiring the creation of this crisp. With just a handful of ingredients, you and your children can prepare this autumn delight. As it bakes, the tantalizing aroma will permeate every nook and cranny of your house. For extra-creamy indulgence, serve it with a scoop of your favorite vanilla ice cream. Should you be lucky enough to have leftovers, pair it with a maple latte for a grown-up breakfast treat.

Slicing apples provides a safe entryway for kids to start using knives in the kitchen. When teaching a new skill, model it slowly. Then, do the skill together side by side. Provide time for independent practice, but stay close and provide gentle correction until young novices gain confidence and safe, basic techniques. Don’t err on the side of giving your child too dull of a knife. If it’s not sharp enough to easily slice through an apple, your child can become frustrated, injured and develop bad habits.

• Karen Nochimowski, is the author of the newly released cookbook, “6-Minute Dinners (& More!),” featuring more than 100 simple recipes. Karen started and runs Momma Chef’s Soup Kitchen and Momma Chef’s Little Free Pantries. Part of her cookbook proceeds go toward feeding those facing food insecurity. Click here to order the cookbook.

Cinnamon-Apple Crisp

1 cup (90 g) old-fashioned oats

¾ cup (90 g) whole wheat flour

½ cup (110 g) firmly packed light brown sugar

½ cup (120 mL) avocado oil, melted coconut oil or vegetable oil

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

6 Granny Smith apples, peeled or unpeeled, cut into 2-inch squares

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.

Coat a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.

In a medium bowl, stir together the oats, flour, brown sugar, oil and cinnamon.

Arrange the apples in an even layer in the prepared dish. Sprinkle the oat mixture over the apples evenly.

Bake uncovered until the apples are tender and bubbling and the topping is golden brown, about 25 minutes.

Tips: Save time by not peeling the apples — that is what I do.

You can always change up this recipe by using pears or peaches.

Serves 8

— Karen Nochimowski

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