Apple Almond Oatmeal Crostata

Before I was introduced to the traditional pie, we ate crostata.  It was a big tart filled with whatever fruits were in season.  The recipe I have doesn’t have an egg in it; maybe they saved their eggs for a frittata?  Most of the time we had apple or plum crostata.  You can use whatever fruits you like.  The trick is not to overstuffed and to let the flavours shine.  My Apple Almond Oatmeal Crostata is a blend of an apple crisp and a crostata.

Crostata according to history originated in the Naples area.  It is very rustic and doesn’t have to be perfect; I like when the edges aren’t even.  I have put it in a pie plate, but today it is going on a pan.  You can also make a savoury crostata; the equivalent of a meat pie.  In early days, fish, meat and vegetable were used. It was relevant to what your land produced, in Sicily there is even an artichoke crostata.  Another popular crostata is made with ricotta.

The reasoning behind the recipe

I wanted crunch and healthy things in a tart that my grandson will eat and still be linked to his Italian roots.  Owen hasn’t eaten very many sweets; in fact, he has never had juice.  He does like chocolate, but we give it to him sparingly and he does enjoy dessert.  This tart will provide him with some good fibre from the oatmeal and we will serve it with frozen yogurt.  I use oats which are very heart healthy and almonds today.  The coconut sugar gives it a natural sweetness and I boost the sweetness at the end with some jam and pure maple syrup. Please note, I did not add sugar to my dough because we watch our sugar intake; it was still yummy.

The process

I am not happy with today’s video as you can see my tripod.  LOL  The learning process continues and the blog must go on.  I am not a chef or a professions; I am a home cook sharing what I love most and that is cooking.

Before it goes into the oven.

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Apple Almond Oatmeal Crostata

A sweet and healthy dessert for your table.  

Course Dessert

Cuisine Italian

Prep Time 30 minutes

Cook Time 40 minutes

Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes

Author Renata Solski

Ingredients

The tart

• 1 1/2 cups flour
• 1/2 cup sugar If you are watching your sugar intake, don't add
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup butter cubed
• 3-5 tbsp cold water

The filling

• 2 tbsp butter
• 4 apples 4 cups sliced
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 2 tbsp amaretto liqueur

The topping

• 1/2 cup oats
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup roughly chopped almonds
• 1 tbsp coconut sugar

The decadent brushing

• 2 tbsp any jam you like
• 1 tbsp pure maple syrup

Instructions

The Tart

1. Pulse flour and salt.

   add butter and pulse until it looks like peas,

   Add cold water, one tablespoon at a time until it forms a ball.

   Remove and put in plastic wrap.

   Place in refrigerator for 30 minutes. 

   Take out and roll into a 12 inch diameter.  

The filling

1. Put 2 tbsp of butter into a pan and add the apples.

   Sprinkle with sugar,cinnamon, nutmeg and simmer for a few minutes.

   Add amaretto liqueur and remove from heat. 

   
   

Assembly

1. After you roll out the crust, pile the apple mixture in the centre.

   Fold over 1/2 inch of the dough all around the apple mlxture.

   Combine the oats and brown sugar.

   Sprinkle over the apples. 

   Next spread the almonds over the top.

   Now sprinkle the brown sugar over everything.

   Place in a 350 degree oven for 45 minutes.  

   Take it out and brush the crust with the jam and syrup.

   Put back in the oven for 10 minutes.

   Cool and serve with frozen yogurt or ice cream. 

   
   

   
   

   
   

It is brown, crisp and smells heavenly.