Where's the cinnamon? You won't miss it. The mellowness of nutmeg and the licorice flavor of star anise do the work instead. If you can't find star anise, substitute 1/2 teaspoon Chinese five-spice seasoning for the nutmeg-star anise combination.
4 medium tart apples, peeled, cored, and cut into 1/3-inch wedges
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/3 cup sugar
1/4 cup (1 ounce) sliced almonds
1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
1/2 cup sugar
2/3 cup flour
1/4 teaspoon ground star anise
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/3 cup butter or margarine, at room temperature
Coat the bottom and sides of a 9 x 9-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
For the filling: Place the apple pieces in a medium bowl; stir in the lemon juice and sugar. Transfer to the pie dish.
For the topping: Combine the almonds, oats, sugar, flour and spices in a small bowl. Add the butter and rub in with your fingers until the mixture clumps. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the apples.
Bake for 40 minutes, until the topping is dark brown and the apples are tender.
Serve warm with vanilla ice cream. Makes 6 servings.
Copyright 1999 Jean Patterson. All rights reserved.
