Apple Pie Crumble

 

It's almost Independence Day and what's more American than apple pie?!?!  I'm not usually a pie person as I don't always get the best crusts on top.  Lattice is a pain, cut outs sometimes come out soggy...but this recipe gets me off the perfect top crust hook - 'cause there isn't one!

You'll need -

1 unbaked pie shell, 9-inch

6 cups peeled apple slices (very thin slices)

1 teaspoon lemon juice

3/4 cup granulated sugar

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

1/8 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

2 tablespoons butter

1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

 

Toss the apple slices in lemon juice then mix with white sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt (add nuts if desired).  Fill pie shell with apple slice mix. .
Combine flour, brown sugar and cut in butter with a fork until crumbly.  Sprinkle over top of pie.

Cover top with aluminum foil and bake at 400° for 20 minutes then uncover and bake an additional 25 to 30 minutes, until apples are tender and topping is browned.

I love walnuts in this pie not everyone is a nut like me!  The hubs likes this served with vanilla bean ice cream.  If you want a "lighter" version, sprinkle the pie with powdered sugar.....the "skinny pie" version! Hilarious!

Cucumber Salad

 

There are no hard rules with this one.  You can do cucumbers only or toss in what every your garden has plenty of.  Just wait to mix the dressing to your veggies at the very end of the process and serve immediately.

 

1 large cucumber

1 tsp coarse sea salt

1 Tbsp light sour cream

1 tsp finely chopped onion

1 tsp fresh dill, chopped

1 tsp vinegar

1 tsp sugar

 

I don't peel my cucumbers but you can if you like.  Slice cucumber into thin slices, place into a colander and sprinkle with coarse sea salt. Set on something to catch the water that drains off, and set aside. 

 

Mix together sour cream, onion, dill, vinegar, and sugar. Cover and place in fridge.

 

Let cucumbers drain and dressing chill for at least an hour, up to 2 hours.

 

Before serving, rinse cucumbers under running water briefly. Pat dry with paper towel.  Toss dressing with cucumbers and serve.