Maple Apple Crunch

Came across this recipe in my morning mail...it was for the nutritious properties of none other than the common, ordinary apple. Apples contain both insoluble and soluble fiber reducing the amount of LDL cholesterol in the body. While raw is the healthiest way to eat them, one can only eat so many raw apples. Fortunately, cooking with apples is very healthy as well.

• Ready In: 1 hr 15 mins
• Serves: 8

Ingredients

• 4  apples, unpeeled and thinly sliced (Granny Smith or MacIntosh 1 1/2 lbs)
• 2  tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1  teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1⁄2 cup raisins
• 1⁄4 cup maple syrup

• Topping

• 1  cup  regular rolled oats, uncooked
• 1⁄3 cup flour
• 1⁄2 cup  sliced almonds
• 2  tablespoons canola oil
• 2  tablespoons maple syrup
• 1  teaspoon  almond extract or 1  teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F
2. In a bowl, combine apple slices, lemon juice, cinnamon, raisins and syrup.
3. In another bowl, combine oats, flour, almonds, oil, syrup and extract.
4. Spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with canola oil cooking spray and add apple mixture.
5. Cover pan with foil and bake 30-40 minutes, until apples are softened.
6. Sprinkle with topping.
7. Bake uncovered another 20-30 minutes until crisp. Serve warm.