Improved Dutch Apple Crisp

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

• Ready In: 1 hr 20 mins
• Serves: 4-6

Ingredients

• 2 1⁄2 lbs granny smith apples (about 5)
• 2  lbs mcintosh apples (about 4 medium)
• 1⁄4 cup sugar
• 1⁄2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1⁄8 teaspoon salt
• 2  tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3⁄4 cup golden raisin
• 1⁄2 cup heavy cream

• Streusel Topping

• 1 (1 1/4cup)  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.