Royal McIntosh Crumble

Filling:

2 McIntosh apples, peeled, seeded, cut in 1-inch (2.5-cm) cubes

2 Mutsu or Crispin apples, peeled, seeded, cut in 1-inch (2.5-cm) cubes

2 Honey crisp apples, peeled, seeded, cut in 1-inch (2.5-cm) cubes

6 tbsp. (90 mL) granulated sugar

1 tbsp. (15 mL) ground cinnamon

1/4 tsp. (1 mL) pure vanilla extract

2 tbsp. (30 mL) cold, unsalted butter, cut in small pieces

Topping:

4 tbsp. (60 mL) cold, unsalted butter, cut in small pieces

1/2 cup (125 mL) each: packed brown sugar, all-purpose flour, rolled oats

1/4 cup (60 mL) whole blanched (skinless) almonds, chopped

For filling, in large mixing bowl, toss three types of apples until combined.

In small bowl, stir together sugar, cinnamon and vanilla. Add to apples. Toss well.

Spread apple mixture in buttered 9-inch by 13-inch (23-cm by 35-cm) baking dish. Dot with butter.

For topping, in mixing bowl, combine butter and sugar. Mix by hand until coarse crumbs form. Add flour, oats and almonds. Mix well. Spoon or sprinkle evenly over apples.

Cover dish with tinfoil. Bake in preheated 350F (180C) oven 15 minutes. Uncover. Bake until topping is golden, apples are tender, and apple juices start to seep out around crumble, about 35 to 45 minutes.

Let cool slightly. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Makes about 9 servings.

Star-tested by Jennifer Bain