IRISH APPLE CRISP

IRISH APPLE CRISP
INGREDIENTS:
2 pounds Rome, Beauty or Winesap apples, peeled, cored and sliced thinly
2 Tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
3/4 cup packed light brown sugar, divided
2 tablespoons Irish whiskey
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon cardamom
pinch of salt
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup Irish oatmeal
6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces
1/3 cup toasted, chopped walnut pieces
freshly whipped cream and caramel sauce for serving (optional)

DIRECTIONS:
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.  Spray a 11x7-inch baking pan with nonstick spray.
In a large bowl, toss the apples with the lemon juice, Then mix in 1/4 cup sugar, whiskey, cinnamon, cardamom, and salt.  Scoop the apples into the prepared dish and scrape the juices on top.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, oatmeal and remaining 1/2 cup sugar.  Add the butter, and use your fingers or a pastry blender to work the butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.  Stir in the walnut pieces.
Sprinkle the crumb mixture evenly over the top.  Bake until golden brown and bubbly, 35 to 40 minutes.
Serve warm with freshly whipping cream and caramel sauce (optional).

SOURCE: RecipeGirl.com