183. Cranberry-Apple Crumble, Colorful

Cranberries have become so much more than the main ingredient for a holiday side dish. This healthy, tangy fruit is now sold for its juice, dried and called 'craisins', shredded and put into quick breads and someday, it might even show up in mouthwash.

While the color and taste of cranberries make them popular as a food additive, they come packed with health benefits. Not only do cranberries contain antioxidants but, their anti-inflammatory properties have lead researchers to consider using them to help fight gum disease. For an in-depth review of the many health benefits of cranberries, follow the link below:

http://www.cranberryinstitute.org/healthresearch.htm

Apple crisps or crumbles are not only family favorites, but they are simple and inexpensive to make. The addition of fresh cranberries makes this old-fashioned dessert colorful and tangy. I can still picture all of us, snug in our home...ending our meal together with a dessert like apple-cranberry crumble. It was a happy time and the enjoyment of homemade food only made it that much better.

Cranberry-Apple Crumble

(This recipe actually makes its own sauce)

3 C peeled, chopped apples
2 C whole cranberries
1 C sugar

Topping

1 C oats
½ C brown sugar
1/3 C flour
½ C chopped pecans
½ C margarine


Grease 2 qt. baking dish. Combine: apples, cranberries and white sugar. Spread evenly in dish. Combine: oats, brown sugar, flour and pecans. Sprinkle over fruit. Dot with margarine. Bake at 350 degrees for 35-45 min. A sweet/tart dessert and good use of fresh cranberries. Serves 6.