Maple Apple Crumble w/Dried Fruit

This recipe sounded good on a chilly day!

Maple Apple Crumble w/Dried Fruit

1 2/3 c. apple cider
1/3 c. dried cranberries
1/3 c. dried apricots, chopped
3/4 c. Grape-Nuts cereal
2 TBSP. brown sugar, divided
5 TBSP. whole wheat pastry flour, divided
1 tsp. cinnamon, divided
3 TBSP. pure maple syrup
2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
4 medium to large Jonathan apples, peeled, cored and sliced into 16 pieces per apple. (cut into quarters, cut the quarters in half, and cut the halves again. Should end up with 16 slices per apple)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly spray a 7" x 11" baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.

-In a small saucepan, bring the apple cider to a boil. Turn off heat and add the cranberries and apricots. Let sit for 25 minutes. Drain the fruit saving the apple cider.
-In a small bowl, combine 1 TBSP. brown sugar, 1 TBSP. flour, 1/2 tsp. cinnamon, the dried fruit and 1 TBSP. of the reserved apple cider.
-In a large bowl, combine the remaining 1 TBSP. brown sugar, 1/4 c. flour, and the 1/2 tsp. cinnamon. Add the maple syrup, vanilla and the rest of the apple cider. Combine well.
-Add the apples to the apple cider mixture. Toss and coat. (seems like a lot of liquid but it will thicken)
-Place the apples with the apple cider mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the top with the fruit mixture.
-Bake for 55-60 minutes.
-Take out and cool.

"Caramel" Apple Bars

Caramel sauce is full of sugar and dairy. My "caramel" sauce main ingredient is dates!

"Caramel" Apple Bars

1 8-oz. package pitted dates (approx 35)
1/2 c. hot water
2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
1/8 tsp. extra fine sea salt
1/2 c. brown sugar
2/3 c. applesauce
1 1/2 c. whole wheat pastry flour
1 1/4 c. old fashion oats
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. extra fine sea salt
1/8 tsp. cinnamon
2 large tart apples, peeled, cored & chopped

Heat oven to 400 degrees. With nonstick cooking spray, lightly coat a 8" x 8" or a 7" x 9"  baking dish.

-In a food processor, combine the dates, hot water, vanilla, and salt. May need to scrape down sides a few times. Run until smooth.
-In a large bowl, whisk the brown sugar and applesauce
-Add remaining ingredients down to the cinnamon. Combine well.
-Take half of the dough mixture and gently press on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. (Can add more dough mixture if needed)
-Layer the apples on the dough mixture.
-Spread the "caramel" sauce over the apples.
-Spread the rest of the remaining dough over the top. Won't be totally covered.
-Bake covered for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake another 15 minutes.
-Cool, cut and enjoy!

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