Mom's Apple Crisp: Lightened Up

Have you noticed a bit of a fruit theme this week?  I wanted a lighter dessert to bring to a few holiday parties and this Apple Crisp has delivered twice already.  It's called Mom's Apple Crisp (not my mom mind you, but whoever she is I'm sure she's a very nice lady) and it's easy as pie.  On second thought, maybe easier.  I know 'healthy' can be a dirty word around the holidays, but believe me- it's so wonderfully delicious, you won't even miss the crust.

photos © cake. 2011

Mom's Apple Crisp

Ingredients
1/2 cup all-purpose flour, plus 2 Tbsp
1/2 cup old fashioned oats (not instant)
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1 pinch salt
3 tablespoons light stick butter, diced
1 teaspoon water
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 pinch ground cloves
3 lbs golden delicious apples, peeled and thinly sliced
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
topping variation: 1/2 cup dried cranberries, raisins or currants

Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F Spray a shallow 1-1/2 quart baking dish with nonstick spray.
2. To make the topping, combine the 1/2 cup flour, the oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, (dried fruit if desired), and salt in a medium bowl. With a pastry blender or 2 knives used scissor-fashion, cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add the water and firmly press mixture to form clumps.
3. To make the filling, mix the granulated sugar, the 2 tablespoons flour, the nutmeg, and cloves in a large bowl. Add the apples and vanilla; mix well. Transfer to the baking dish. Sprinkle the topping over the filling. Bake until the filling is bubbling and the topping is golden, 55 - 60 minutes.
Serve warm or at room temperature.