Fall Apple Crisp

Tomorrow is my daughter's first family school breakfast, and she wanted to bring something warm and yummy to share with her friends. Since our fruit bowl is overflowing with apples that we purchased at the farmers market this weekend, we thought apple crisp would be the perfect morning treat. This recipe is not only delicious and easy to make, but is also loaded with omega three fatty acids from the flax seeds and coconut oil, which help to boost kids' moods and learning abilities. Additionally, this is a great recipe to get kids in tune with the seasons, eat locally and help with snack preparation. When kids help make a dish, they are usually more excited about eating it and the experience of trying something new.

Makes 15 snack servings

Ingredients:
Apple mix
6 apples, washed, cored, diced
½ cup apple juice

Crumble Topping
½ cup maple syrup
2 cups rolled oats
2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
6 tablespoon butter/coconut oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon flax seeds
1/3 cup raisins

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Lightly oil the bottom of baking pan with coconut oil.
3. Spread apples evenly in the pan and add apple juice.
4. In a bowl combine maple syrup, rolled oats, flax seeds, raisins, vanilla and cinnamon.
5. Fold in softened butter/coconut oil until combined. There should be no large chunks.
6. Press dry ingredients on top of the apple mixture.
7. Cook uncovered for 35-40 minutes.

An Apple a Day
Apples provide a big dose of soluble and insoluble fiber, as well as a host of other benefits. The polyphenols found in apples are powerful cardiovascular guardians, also helping to protect growing (and adult) bodies from the oxidation of bad fats (think trans fats), while offering bold anti-inflammatory properties. Recent studies have also shown that apple’s phytonutrients and high fiber content help children maintain an even mood by preventing spikes in blood sugar.

Local ingredients 
Purchasing food that’s grown in your surrounding area is beneficial for your health and for the environment. Transporting foods over long distances generates pollution, whereas buying groceries from local venders, like a farmers market, decreases your carbon footprint. Foods sold in grocery stores have traveled an average of 1500 miles from where they are grown. On the other hand, foods that are grown locally are picked when they are ripe, which allows for a better taste and more nutritious product.