Nestled in the heart of the Hudson Valley, the presence of fall foliage is guaranteed as we enter into crisp October weather. Fast-paced walks to class are accented with the crunch of fallen leaves. Dropping temperatures make warmth in all forms a lavish thought. The warmth of spice is a powerful ingredient. Cinnamon, nutmeg, clove and cardamom are essential ingredients for happy souls and warm bodies. With the impending holidays and colder months, it’s no wonder food evolves with the dynamism of the seasons, and the need of warmth for the body and the mind.
On a windy day, mulling through a chill and a need for a pick-me-up, an enlivening snack or warming drink can be the deciding factor between a great day or a good day. Coffee or tea may be a constant in your life, but why not add a little more sweet and spice? Fortunately for the sluggish and suffering, there is a recipe that will brighten your taste buds and give you a sweet, local flavor. Such crisp weather is accompanied by crispier apples, being plucked from apple trees across New York State orchards. These sweet globular fruits are in prime season, and ready for picking! Although it may seem challenging to balance a beautiful apple picking scene in the midst of full schedules, a quick compromise and a restorative snack is a personal apple crisp! Forget fighting over the last bite of dessert, and have your own bowl and spoon.
As college students during a time of midterms, we tend to focus on the infinite number of papers we still need to write. The fast pace of school days makes us oblivious to the changing colors of the leaves, the chilly and refreshing wind in our faces and the deliciousness of fall food. There’s no reason to wait to go home for October break in order to enjoy warm apple and pumpkin confections. A tip to make Vassar feel more like home is to learn how to prepare your own versions of the autumnal treats. We understand that life in a dorm can be tricky with the lack of a fully-stocked kitchen, which is why this recipe is here to save your fall spirit! The only things you’ll need are a few apples, butter or coconut oil, oats, brown sugar and your favorite fall spices, as well as your favorite toppings.
If you’ve been apple picking already and ended up with a little-too-many apples in your room, here’s a recipe that will blow your mind as well as warm up your body and soul as the fall season starts to settle in. If school work has gotten in the way of your own apple-picking trip, or you’re simply not attracted to the idea of it, grab a few apples to-go next time you’re at the Deece or make this Apple Crisp right there!
This recipe is easy, microwavable and ready to eat before your stomach can even prepare itself for the deliciousness it is about to consume. Whip up this apple crisp the next time you’re with your friends or as a form of procrastination during your next study break. It’ll warm up your belly and your soul as we patiently wait for October break to arrive and let the fall settle into Vassar and our hearts.
Chop and slice apples to desired size. Peeling is optional but recommended since apple peels do not soften inside microwave! In a microwaveable bowl, heat coconut oil or butter for 30 seconds, just until melted. Then, place all ingredients into the bowl. Mix until evenly combined. Microwave for three to five minutes. Stirring once in between. Once the apples have softened, remove from the microwave and top with your desired toppings while you wait for the dessert to cool. For a little glaze and extra gooeyness add more brown sugar or honey a top, allowing it to cool with the crisp!
If exploration is a part of your agenda, branch out into the local flavors of fall and visit an orchard to collect your own apples!
Ingredients:
- 1-2 apples (your favorite variety)
- 1 tbsp coconut oil or butter
- 3 tbsp quick oats
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- add: almonds, pecans, raisins, dried cranberries, chia seeds or drizzle honey