The Sweetness of Crumble

It's probably true that any time we attempt to build, whether it be a relationship, a business or a triple layer cake, nothing is more devastating than watching it crumble. For activities including but not limited to our kitchen, I perceive newlywed life as a constant building project. We draw up our plans, sometimes in ink, and invest ourselves in a dream that rises higher and stronger than reality might allow. Sometimes the best laid plans are only lessons for those constructing them. If you're lucky, a lesson in love.

For Father's Day, I decided on a classic dessert for not just Dad and Papa Pasz but The Husband, as well - all skillful constructors of the best laid plans and always effective, strong hands when sweeping up the crumble. The best part of this dish is the contrast of the messy, unstable outside and the sweetest, most comforting inside you could ever imagine. When you get right down to it, you can crumble all you need to when your core is just that good.

Apple Crumble. For my Core.

6 McIntosh apples, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch pieces
1/2 lemon, juiced
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground or freshly grated nutmeg
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1/2 cup flour or fine graham cracker crumbs
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 stick butter
1 pint vanilla ice cream


Method:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. In a 9 by 12 baking dish, combine apples, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg and sugar. In a small bowl, mix flour or graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar and butter together using the tines of a fork and your fingers, working until even, small crumbles form. Sprinkle topping evenly over apples and bake 15 to 20 minutes until apples are just tender and topping is golden brown. Top dishes with small scoops of vanilla ice cream.