Now a days, it is hard to keep up with science.

Especially, when it comes to making healthy choices, regarding sugar consumption.

 

We are all bombarded with statements like “Sugar is toxic”, “Sugar is the new drug”, “Quit eating Sugar” every single day.

Though I admit, I did believe the dogma that these statements convey for a long while, but recently I have come to the conclusion that completely eliminating sugar from your diet may not be a good decision either.

What about those who want to add just a pinch of sugar to their morning coffee or tea?

It is not just sugar, but lot of other things (read: even water) when consumed in excess can have adverse effects on our body. That does not mean we should stop drinking water.

The answer to all, in my opinion is MODERATION. Sugar when consumed in moderate quantities by healthy people should not be harmful.

After convincing myself with the above analysis, I baked some delicious Apple Cranberry crumble topped with oats and little demerara  sugar.

 

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Bake Time: 15-20 minutes
Served: Room Temperature

 

INGREDIENTS:

3 Medium - Large Apples (core removed cut into small chunks)
½ cup dried cranberries
1/4 tsp salt
50 gm unsalted butter (Chilled)
4 Tbsp Icing Sugar/Caster Sugar
1 tsp fresh lemon juice
Zest of 1 small lemon
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Crumble Topping:
 4 Tbsp All-purpose flour
 4 Tbsp Demerara sugar
 1 Tbsp Ground Cinnamon
 2 Tbsp Granola/Muesli/Rolled Oats
 Pinch of Cinnamon
 1Tbsp Crushed Walnuts (optional)

Method:

• Pre-Heat oven to 200 degrees Celsius or 425 degree Fahrenheit and butter your baking dish/casserole and set it aside.
• In a pan, on medium heat add 3 tablespoons of caster sugar, cinnamon and vanilla to make a light caramel. It is a good idea to swirl the dish instead of stirring it so that it does not disturb the texture of the caramel.
• When the sugar turns brown add in the cut apples and give it a good mix. After you see the apples disintegrating turn the heat to low and add ¼ teaspoon salt.
• To this, add dried cranberries and zest of one lemon as they give nice tartness to the dish. Squeeze in fresh lemon juice to give it an extra acidic kick.
• Turn the gas off and set the apple-cranberry mixture aside.
• Crumble topping: In a mixing bowl, add in the flour, pinch of cinnamon, demerara sugar and butter and use your hands to get a fine crumble mix. Add in 2 tablespoons of Granola/ Muesli/ Rolled Oats whatever you have at hand into the crumbled mix. You could also add in some crushed walnuts at this point. (optional)
• Spread the apple-cranberry mixture in the baking dish (to the bottom) and top it off with the crumble mixture.
• Bake this for about 15 – 20  minutes (Keep checking every ten minutes) until the topping is slightly golden brown and the caramel starts bubbling. Let it cool slightly before serving.Enjoy this delicious and simple apple cranberry crumble with your friends and family!

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