Apple crisp is a simple, homey, very Canadian dessert — this version from Jason Parsons adds Canadian cheddar to the mix.

Canadian Cheddar, Apple and Oat Crisp

Ingredients:

Filling:

4 cups chopped apples
1/2 lemon juiced and zested
1 tbsp chopped rosemary
1 tbsp maple sugar
Seeds from a vanilla bean
 2 cups chunky aged cheddar

Topping:

1 cup Quaker oats
 ½ cup sunflower seeds
 ½ cup toasted sliced almonds
 ¾ cup flour
 ½ cup brown sugar
 ¾ cup butter

Method:

Mix the chopped apples, lemon juice, zest, rosemary, maple sugar, vanilla seeds and cheddar
Place the mix in a large casserole dish
In a separate bowl mix the oats, sunflower seeds, almonds, flour and brown sugar
Add the butter and rub between your fingers to form a crumble
Place on top of the apple filling
Bake in a 375 degree oven for 40 minutes
Remove and allow to sit for 5 minutes before serving

Recipe makes 10 portions

Jason Parsons
Executive Chef / Peller Estates Winery