Improved Dutch Apple Crisp

Fernandinho's Note:

Though this is a time-consuming dessert, you'll be surprised with its rich texture and flavor. Originally from Cook's Illustrated Magazine.

• Total Time: 1 hrs 20 mins
• Prep Time: 40 mins
• Cook Time: 40 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 4

• 2 ½ lbs granny smith apples (about 5)
• 2 lbs mcintosh apples (about 4 medium)
• ¼ cup sugar
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1⁄8; teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ¾ cup golden raisin
• ½ cup heavy cream

Streusel Topping

• 1 (1 ¼ cup) all-purpose flour
• 1⁄3; cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornmeal
• 7 tablespoons unsalted butter , melted

Directions:

1. Peel, quarter, and core apples, slice each quarter crosswise into pieces 1/4 inch thick.
2. Toss apples, sugar, cinnamon, and salt in large bowl to combine.
3. Heat butter in large Dutch oven over high heat until foaming subsides; add apples and toss to coat.
4. Reduce heat to medium-high and cook, covered, stirring occasionally, until apples are softened, about 5 minutes.
5. Stir in raisins; cook, covered, stirring occasionally, until Granny Smith apple slices are tender and McIntosh apple slices are softened and beginning to break down, about 5 minute longer.
6. Set large colander over large bowl; transfer cooked apples to colander.
7. Shake colander and toss apples to drain off as much juice as possible.
8. Bring drained juice and cream to boil in now-empty Dutch oven over high heat; cook, stirring occasionally, until thickened and wooden spoon leaves trail in mixture, about 5 minutes.
9. Pack cooked apples into 8-inch square baking dish and pour reduced juice mixture over.
10. Smooth with rubber spatula.
11. Streusel topping: Combine flour, sugars, and cornmeal in medium bowl; drizzle with melted butter and toss with fork until evenly moistened and mixture forms many large chunks with pea-sized pieces mixed throughout.
12. Line rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and spread streusel in even layer on baking sheet.
13. Bake streusel until golden brown, about 5 minute.
14. ;cool baking sheet with streusel on wire rack until cool enough to handle, about 5 minutes.
15. Sprinkle streusel evenly over pie filling.
16. Set pie plate on now-empty baking sheet and bake untel streusel topping is deep golden brown, about 10 minutes.
17. Cool on wire rack and serve.