Country Apple/Cherry-Walnut Crisp

Ingredients

• 1 (16 ounce) can tart red cherries, pitted (packed in water)

• 1/4 cup white sugar
• 1 pinch salt
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 2 teaspoons orange zest
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 3 cups green apples, peeled, cored and sliced thin
• 1/4 cup dark brown sugar
• 1 1/2 cups granola cereal
• 3/4 cup toasted walnuts, chopped
• 2 1/2 tablespoons butter, melted
• whipped cream (optional) or vanilla ice cream (optional)
• ground cinnamon (Garnish)

Directions

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

2. 2

   Drain the canned cherries, reserve 1/2 cup juice.

3. 3

   Add the cherries and juice to a large mixing bowl; sprinkle with the white sugar and salt. Toss to coat and let stand for 10 minutes.

4. 4

   Meanwhile, in a small mixing bowl combine together the flour, orange zest, cinnamon, and nutmeg; add to cherries and toss to mix.

5. 5

   Combine the apples and brown sugar with the cherries; toss well.

6. 6

   In a small mixing bowl combine together the granola, toasted walnuts, and butter; set aside.

7. 7

   Pour the fruit filling into a 2-quart square baking dish (ungreased); sprinkle the granola mixture over the filling.

8. 8

   Bake for 30 minutes, or until the apples are tender.

9. 9

   Cook's Tip: Cover with foil the last 5 - 10 minutes to prevent over-browning.

10. 10

    Serve warm and if desired top with whipped cream or ice cream, and sprinkle with additonal cinnamon.