Warm Wishes for a Happy National Teddy Bears Day and an Apple Crisp Treat!

Dear Readers,

Happy National Teddy Bears Day!!! About a week ago my friend, Priscilla, alerted me of this day and I was immediately inspired of what message Teddy Bears reflect to all of us. What really struck me is that this day falls on the week when so many families are adjusting a new season of learning. Teddy Bears are a great source of comfort and often featured in our society as gifts that mark various milestones in our lives. I have always been a big fan and they have marked many moments in my personal life! From the various plush bears that surrounded me in childhood pictures (according to my mother my father was the official props master in charge of fetching and arranging the bears), the Ursuline bear commemorating my high school graduation, to the Build a Bear that my college friend gifted me Teddy Bears have been a sign of comfort and friendship that always bring a smile to my face. As a teenager I even commemorated my first visit to FAO Schwartz in NYC with a purchase of one of their iconic bears (yes, it is still safely in my possession). 

This year has been unusual in so many ways and we are all in need of extra comfort. This day is a great reminder to take a moment and do something that we love. Whether it’s sitting with a favorite book, having an extra cup of coffee, indulging in a favorite meal, or giving a teddy bear an extra hug that most important element is that it brings a smile to your face. 

With this post I wanted to share with you my recipe for apple crisp. Like Teddy Bears this treat brings back many warm memories and just thinking of the aroma of apples and cinnamon warms my heart. I hope you enjoy it as much as my loved ones do!

Love Always,

Kristina Lucia xoxo

P.S. The apple crisp makes a wonderful breakfast! My mother always baked it for the holidays and it was my favorite thing to eat on Christmas morning after we opened our presents from Santa.

Apple Crisp Recipe

INGREDIENTS FOR FILLING:

·      Assortment of apples (recommend a dozen for this recipe)

·      Cinnamon

·      Nutmeg

·      Brown Sugar

INGREDIENTS FOR CRUST:

·      1 ? cups all-purpose flour

·      1 cup (firmly packed) dark brown sugar

·      1 cup oats

·      1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

·      1 teaspoon ground nutmeg

·      1/2 teaspoons baking soda

·      1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

·      1 cup margarine (or butter) at room temperature

PREPARATION

1.   Peel and slice all apples and place in a bowl. (I personally like to choose a various variety of apple types)

2.   Season with cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar. (I also like to add a little bit of white wine in the apples for extra flavoring.)

3.   Preheat oven to 350°F and place apples in a glass baking pan (8X8).

4.   In stand mixer, beat butter till light and fluffy. Add dry ingredients to the mixture.

5.   Once mixture is fully combined spread the crisp over the top of the apples. (Trick!  For the top dough layer, I press it into a square on wax paper and then flip it into the pan for the top layer.)

6.   Bake for 40-60 minutes or until the cookie edges are golden brown

7.   Eat and enjoy with loved ones (My favorite step!)