With fall less than two weeks away, it's time to start thinking about baking. Crisps and cobblers are two very popular desserts for the fall, but don't let the names fool you. Crisps and cobblers are actually very similar. Both desserts are based on a fruit filling. The only difference is that cobblers have a pie crust top (and sometimes a bottom) while crisps have a topping made with brown sugar, butter, nuts and spices. Regardless, there are some tips you can use to ensure these fall desserts turn out beautifully each and every time. Here are five tips for the best crisps and cobblers.
Use Fresh Fruit
Fresh fruit is always your best bet. Personally, I prefer to buy fruit from local farms and use seasonal fruits, such as apples. Using fresh fruit does require a bit of work peeling and chopping the fruit, but when you use canned fruit, your crisps and cobblers can come out soggy. Some people do use frozen fruit, but you have to be careful to let the fruit thaw and dry thoroughly or you'll have an overly wet filling.
Combine Different Fruits for Unique Flavors
Another tip I love to use is to combine different fruits so that you get better flavors. For example, you might combine apples with rhubarb or cherries and blackberries.
Keep It Simple
Crisps and cobblers do not have to be complicated. For example, the filling of an apple crisp can be as simple as 5-6 apples that have been sprinkled with sugar and cinnamon and dotted with butter. That's it. The crisp topping can also be as simple as combining 1 cup oats with 1/3 cup butter, 3/4 cup brown sugar, cinnamon, and 1/2 cup flour. Pour the crumbly mixture on top and you're ready to bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes.
Add Real Butter
Do not skimp and use margarine. This is one of the biggest mistakes beginners make. Not only does margarine have a pour flavor, but the vegetable oil content in the product can ruin the crust or topping of a crisp.
Don't Overdo the Seasoning
Last, but not least, while cinnamon does add great flavor to a crisp, you don't want to overdo it. You still want to be able to taste the flavor of the fruit. The purpose of the cinnamon is to enhance the flavor of the fruit, not overwhelm it.
Fruit crisps and cobblers are simple desserts that everyone seems to love. Whether you're serving dessert at a Halloween party or just want a quick dessert for a weeknight dinner, you'll love how simple and delicious crisps and cobblers can be.
