I wish I could send you the awesome smell that fills the house while this is baking! Use this topping for other crisps such as pear or peach, even a combination of fruits. Adjust the amount of sugar depending or the tartness of your fruits and the spices as to your family’s tastes.

Topping:

1/2 cup flour
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1/3 cup brown sugar
4 Tablespoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon apple pie spice
1/2 cup oatmeal
dash of salt
6 Tablespoons melted or softened butter

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray baking dish with no-stick spray. Sprinkle corn starch, additional sugar and spices over chopped apples. Add lemon juice, vanilla, if desired. Toss. Spread the coated apples into prepared baking dish. Bake for about 20 minutes.

While apples begin to cook in the oven, prepare the topping. Combine chopped pecans, dry ingredients, spices and oatmeal. Add the softened or melted butter and mix. When apples have baked the first 20 minutes, remove from oven and crumble the topping mixture evenly over the apples. Return to the oven for another 20-25 minutes or until crisp topping begins to brown. Remove from the oven and allow to cool about 15 minutes before serving.