Country Apple/Cherry-Walnut Crisp

Feast Your Eyes!'s Note:

Autumn comes alive in this delicious home-baked desert that features warm apples and cherries topped with crunchy granola, walnuts, cinnamon and nutmeg, and served with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream

• Total Time: 50 mins
• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 30 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 6

• 1 (16 ounce) can tart red cherries , pitted (packed in water)
• ¼ cup white sugar
• 1 pinch salt
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 2 teaspoons orange zest
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 3 cups green apples , peeled, cored and sliced thin
• ¼ cup dark brown sugar
• 1 ½ cups granola cereal
• ¾ cup toasted walnuts , chopped
• 2 ½ tablespoons butter , melted
• whipped cream (optional) or vanilla ice cream (optional)
• ground cinnamon (Garnish)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
2. Drain the canned cherries, reserve 1/2 cup juice.
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. Meanwhile, in a small mixing bowl combine together the flour, orange zest, cinnamon, and nutmeg; add to cherries and toss to mix.
5. Combine the apples and brown sugar with the cherries; toss well.
6. In a small mixing bowl combine together the granola, toasted walnuts, and butter; set aside.
7. Pour the fruit filling into a 2-quart square baking dish (ungreased); sprinkle the granola mixture over the filling.
8. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the apples are tender.
9. Cook's Tip: Cover with foil the last 5 - 10 minutes to prevent over-browning.
10. Serve warm and if desired top with whipped cream or ice cream, and sprinkle with additonal cinnamon.