Apple Brown Betty

Yields: 6-8 servings Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 45 minutes

Ingredients:

• 3-4 cups sliced apples (6-8 apples, roughly)

• 1 cup brown sugar

• 3/4 cup flour

• 1/3-1/2 cup shortening

• 1/4 cup water

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Grease an 9" baking dish with a light coating of cooking spray.

2. Put apples in the dish. Add water. Sprinkle with cinnamon.

3. Mix brown sugar and flour.

4. Cut in shortening and blend until the mixture is crumbly.

5. Sprinkle and spread the sugar crumble mixture evenly over the apples.

6. Bake at 325F for 35-45 minutes. You'll know your Apple Brown Betty is done cooking when:

   • Apples are tender: Pierce the apples with a fork or knife. They should be easily pierced and tender, but not mushy.
   • Crumble topping is golden brown: The topping should be a beautiful golden brown color, and it should be crisp.
   • Juices are bubbling: The juices from the apples should be bubbling around the edges of the dish.

7. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

8. Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, if desired.

Step 4 Explained:

• "Cut in shortening and blend until the mixture is crumbly."

This step involves creating the crumble topping for the dessert. Here's a more detailed explanation for those of you who have never cut in shortening:

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the brown sugar and flour.
   
   

2. Add Shortening: Cut the shortening into the dry ingredients. This can be done in a few ways:
   
   

• Using a pastry blender: This is the most common method. Work the pastry blender in a scissor-like motion through the flour and sugar mixture, cutting the shortening into small pieces.

• Using two knives: Cut the shortening into the dry ingredients by pressing and cutting with two knives. This is a little time consuming, but once you get the hang of it, it gets easier in future recipes. Also, my preferred method.

• Using your fingers: If you're comfortable, you can use your fingers to rub the shortening into the flour and sugar mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.

3. Blend: Continue to cut or rub the shortening into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. There should be no large pieces of shortening remaining.
   
   

The goal is to create a crumbly texture for the topping. This is essential for a good Apple Brown Betty!

Don't keep shortening on hand? No problem! Here are a few substitutes for shortening in Apple Brown Betty:

• Butter: This is a common and easy swap. Use the same amount of butter as shortening.

• Margarine: Another good option, use it in the same quantity as shortening.

• Coconut Oil: Use solid coconut oil in equal measure to shortening.

• Lard: This is a classic substitute, use it 1:1 with shortening.

Important Note: These substitutes might slightly alter the flavor and texture of your Apple Brown Betty.

Oh, the Apple Brown Betty! This isn't just a dessert, folks, it's a symphony of flavors and textures. Imagine: juicy apple slices bathed in a warm, cinnamon-scented hug, all tucked under a cozy blanket of buttery, crumbly goodness. Talk about comfort food goals!

The best part? This isn't some fancy pants recipe that requires a culinary degree to master. Nope, it's a classic for a reason – simplicity itself! With a few pantry staples and a sprinkle of baking magic, you can whip up a Betty that'll have your taste buds singing.

So, grab your aprons (or at least a clean dish towel!), gather your ingredients, and let's get baking! This Apple Brown Betty is about to become your new go-to dessert, trust me. And hey, don't be shy – share your creations with me on social media! I wanna see those golden-brown beauties you whip up with your kitchen magic!