Ernie & Dolly's Apple Crumb Pie

As with every season, fall is no exception to the wonderful selection of delicious fruits and vegetables for which I must conjure up recipes.  Our sweet neighbor, Ernie, allowed for me to join him in apple picking last week.  I won't ever forget the care he took in making sure I was comfortable.  He fixed a reclining lawn chair into the back of his trailer that he pulled along with his 4-wheeler.  He drove really slow to the orchards so that I could see the water feature and flower gardens he has been installing for his wife, Dolly.  He climbed the tallest ladder and quickly filled his picking apron full of scarlet jonagold and fuji apples.  I on the other hand, shakily climbed the shorter of the ladders and picked red delicious apples.  I know this 84 year young fellow picked much faster than I did!   I am forever grateful for these fond memories.

Though we have enjoyed our applesauce, apple pie and apple jelly, I just had to make something extra special to capture these fantastic memories of picking with Ernie.  Not one to brag, I have to say I have outdone myself with this perfect, crunchy caramel mouth-watering dessert.  I hope you enjoy!!

Ingredients for the filling:
6-8 cups apples, peeled and sliced (will depend depth/width of baking pan)
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup flour
pinch of allpice, ginger, cloves, & cardamon
teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 cup orange juice

Baking spray

Ingredients for the crumb topping:
1/3 cup natural almonds, chopped
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup flour
2/3 cup margarine (or softened butter)
1-1/3 cup quick cook oatmeal
*You can also add in raisins, cranberries, or other seasonal fruit such as pears

Preheat oven to 350. Spray deep dish pie pan.
Mix ingredients for filling and pour into pie pan.  Apple pie filling should reach rim, but not over the top.  This will bake down and mixture will form caramel which is liquid when hot.  You don't want this to run over the pie pan!  

Using fork (I use my hands), mix ingredients for crumb topping till it resembles a mushy dough.
Drop/spread crumb topping onto apple pie filling.

Bake for 40-60 minutes.  Filling will be bubbly and crumb topping will be browned and a bit firm.
Best served warm or at room temperature and serve with ice cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt.

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