The spicy aroma of Apples and Cinnamon is bound to get the family popping their heads into the kitchen; and it was my last four Granny Smith Apples!
As we're currently in lockdown here in South Africa, I've been given strict instructions by my nephew the doctor and my son who's been researching Covid19 to death, excuse the pun; to stay at home during the critical weeks when the virus is said to become active here in SA.
I have ordered pantry staples and other food ingredients online, but much of their fresh produce options are marked Not Available!
Next week I'm going to cover myself from head to toe like a spaceman and venture into the shops without telling the son and the nephew and see if I can find...firstly carrots...have not seen one for an entire week since I've used what I had in the refrigerator...a nice bunch of Spinach...and any other fresh produce I can lay my hands on!
And...I solemnly promise that I will wash and sanitize the fruit and vegetables exactly as in the YouTube tutorial that the son sent!
But where is all our farmer's produce going during this period?
Back to the apples; I have many recipes where Apples are used.
Apple Crumble - a rich sweet Shortcrust Pastry filled with Apples, Cinnamon & Sugar with a crumbly nutty topping
Apple Danish Pastry - Puff Pastry filled with Apples, Cinnamon & Sugar and topped with a caramel sauce
Apple Caramel - Apples baked inside a sponge cake layer and topped with a rich caramel sauce
German Apple Strudel - an unleavened dough rolled super thin, filled with Apples, Lemon Zest, Raisins & Almonds, sprinkled with....you've guessed right - cinnamon & sugar and rolled up like a Swiss roll.
However I've decided to make a simple but comforting Apple & Date Cobbler for this week's Fruits and Veggies Monday hosted by the lovely 
I don't know about you, but I've been real busy in the kitchen making treats more often than usual to keep the spirits up during lockdown, but then I remember that saying:
I'll wear them tomorrow!
I certainly don't want to look like a doughnut after the Covid19 lockdown is over so have tried to make treats that are a little healthier.
For this dessert I used stone ground wholewheat flour, rolled Oats, vegan Butter and brown Sugar in the topping with a filling of fresh Granny Smith Apples, a sprinkling of brown Sugar & Cinnamon with Dates peeking out the top of the Cobbler.
THE RECIPE
Sanitize everything before placing into sanitized pie dish;)
- 3-4 Apples, peeled & sliced
- Pour juice of 1 Lemon over
- Sprinkle approx 3 Tbs Brown Sugar (or coconut sugar) & Cinnamon on top
Topping
Mix together: - 125ml Brown Sugar
- 250ml Stone Ground Wholewheat Flour
- Pinch of Salt
Rub in till mixture resembles crumbs - 125g Vegan Butter
Spoon on top of apples, press whole Dates into crumble and bake at 180°C for 30-40 min
Note to bakers - push Dates deeper into topping as they were a little too chewy or add them to the Apple filling!
We enjoyed ours naked as I had no Coconut Cream nor any Vegan Cream in the house. It was delicious, real comfort food which conjured up memories of the good old days when my Ouma (Granny) was still around; life was good as my Ouma saw the silver lining in any situation!
One good thing we're seeing around here with everyone on lockdown, is that nature is blossoming with less pollution and noise. Friends who have a home right on the beach have been seeing much more bird life, with dolphins and whales showing off in the ocean, so there are pluses to Covid19 lockdown, but heaven forbid the financial implications from here on!
Stay safe friends!
Thank you for stopping by
