Particular

You probably know by now that I’m not a picky eater. I will eat pretty much anything Andrew Zimmern would dare bring to his lips, at least once. But I can get particular about certain things. One of them is granola.

I confess that I am very, very, and I mean very, particular with my granola. I do love my granola — it’s one of my favorite breakfast and snack foods. And when I find a granola blend that I like, I stick to it. It can be hard to convince me that there might be better granolas out there. I find that time and again, I eagerly try new varieties, only to determine, “Meh. That was okay. My favorite brand is better.” For that reason, I won’t even attempt to make my own.

So, when the kind folks at 18 Rabbits offered to send me samples of their granola and bars, I was both excited and worried. Excited because I am a granola junkie. Worried because I was already feeling the pressure of my critical granola palate.

As I learned more about the San Francisco-based company, I liked what I read. 18 Rabbits is committed to producing a pure, delicious, organic product, without excessive sugars or saturated fats. They maintain relationships with their farmers for locally sourced ingredients. As I strive to eat more responsibly, these are all things I love to hear when trying a new product.

Did the granola live up to its philosophy?

I am happy to say, yes.

The granola bars were wholesome, filling, and tasted, for lack of a better descriptive, clean. None of this sugary, sticky stuff; the granola bars were delicious without feeling like candy. My favorite flavor of the five varieties was the Belle Bananas Foster, made with organic bananas and dates.

Even better, I was remarkably pleased with the granola. I especially loved their Gracious Granola, which has Pecan, Almond and Maple and is made with organic oats, coconut, and pumpkin seeds. What I did not expect was for my husband to fall in love with the Gracious Granola. He’s a strict oatmeal-for-weekday-breakfast kind of guy, but once he tasted this granola, he actually requested that we keep it stocked in the pantry at all times.

But here’s what I loved best:

The 18 Rabbits Gracious Granola worked fantastically in an Apple Granola Crisp. The maple and coconut flavors added dimension to the topping, and I loved the extra crunch from the pecans, almonds and pumpkin seeds. Served a la mode with a rich vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce, I can’t imagine making apple crisp any other way.

Disclaimer/Disclosure: 18 Rabbits kindly shared samples of their granola and granola bars, however, I am under no obligation to review or write about their products. I share my opinions because I sincerely loved what I tasted and believe you will, too.

Apple Granola Crisp

Serves 4-6.

Filling

4 cups apples, peeled and diced (Granny Smith & Fuji work well)
1-2 tablespoons brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon flour

Topping

¾ cup flour
¾ cup packed brown sugar
6 tablespoons butter
½ cup granola (I recommend 18 Rabbits Gracious Granola)
½ teaspoon cinnamon

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine the apples, brown sugar, cinnamon and flour, and toss to mix. Put in a buttered shallow baking dish (pie pan or 8×8 brownie pan). To make topping, combine flour, sugar and butter and mix until it looks like course crumbs, using a pastry cutter or food processor. Add granola and cinnamon and mix a little more. Spread topping evenly over fruit and pat down gently with your fingertips. Bake until the top is light brown and crisp, about 35-40 minutes. Serve warm with ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce.

by liren on January 20, 2011

41 Comments

« Previous Post

Jessica — January 20, 2011 @ 11:25 pm (#
1
)
I was just wishing for something sweet, cold, and tasty… and then I stumbled upon your delicious looking apple granola crisp!

I wonder if I can find 18 Rabbits in LA? Can’t wait to try them out one day!
- Liren replied: — January 23rd, 2011 @ 5:43 pm
  
  Hi Jessica! I’m not sure where you are in LA but check their store locator. They are at many Whole Foods across the country. Good luck finding it!
fooddreamer — January 21, 2011 @ 3:37 am (#
2
)

I am a granola aficionado too. It has to be just right…not overly sweet, not overly dry, with just the right amount of big clusters. This brand sounds delicious, and using it in a crisp was inspired!
Liz — January 21, 2011 @ 4:27 am (#
3
)
Apple crisp is one of my favorite desserts…love the granola topping (and that lovely drizzle of caramel!).
- Liren replied: — January 23rd, 2011 @ 5:26 pm
  
  Hi Liz! The drizzle of caramel is certainly not necessary for apple crisp, but I just can’t help it – it brings it to the next level!
Angela@RecipesFromMyMom — January 21, 2011 @ 4:36 am (#
4
)
Apple crisps are so good all year round and I could even imagine eating this for breakfast. Bet your husband has already thought of that!
- Liren replied: — January 23rd, 2011 @ 5:26 pm
  
  Ha ha! You must know my husband, Angela! This apple crisp definitely would be good for breakfast, too :)
Becky — January 21, 2011 @ 5:17 am (#
5
)
I make apple crisp all of the time, but never thought of using it to make apple crisp. Now, I have to get some healthy granola. Thanks for sharing!
- Liren replied: — January 23rd, 2011 @ 5:27 pm
  
  Hi Becky! Yes, the granola is great in the crisp topping – extra crunch with not too much effort!
Lisa { AuthenticSuburbanGourmet } — January 21, 2011 @ 6:33 am (#
6
)
Your apple crisp looks simply divine! Great to see a SF based food company highlighted. I know it is early in the morning as I write this comment, but boy I wish I had a bowl of this right now. Gorgeous photos!!
- Liren replied: — January 23rd, 2011 @ 5:29 pm
  
  Hi Lisa! Yes, you know how I feel about supporting our local economy. I am happy to share local food companies that produce an excellent product, and it makes me so proud of all the wonderful foods SF has to offer!
norma — January 21, 2011 @ 7:43 am (#
7
)
I can handle that apple crisp. I love the name of the granola.
- Liren replied: — January 23rd, 2011 @ 5:29 pm
  
  Norma, I love the name, too!
Brian @ A Thought For Food — January 21, 2011 @ 8:25 am (#
8
)
There are few things more comforting than a crisp. And it’s perfect for breakfast or dessert! ;-)
- Liren replied: — January 23rd, 2011 @ 5:29 pm
  
  So, so, true – breakfast, dessert, or even for a snack, it’s perfect!
Cubicle — January 21, 2011 @ 8:37 am (#
9
)
I love apple crisp! Your post gave me the inspiration to try it this weekend! And I’ll have to search out that granola. Yum!
- Liren replied: — January 23rd, 2011 @ 5:30 pm
  
  So happy to hear – do let me know if you tried it this weekend. I would love to know how you liked it.
Pingback: Inspiration in Abundance « A Fox In The Kitchen
Steph@stephsbitebybite — January 21, 2011 @ 3:56 pm (#
10
)
This looks like it’s the best of both worlds, hot apple crisp, and cold ice cream, make for a melty bite of goodness!
- Liren replied: — January 23rd, 2011 @ 5:30 pm
  
  Thanks Steph! Ice cream makes everything better :)
lynne — January 21, 2011 @ 10:17 pm (#
11
)

Oh! I love granola! It sounds delicious :)
Amy Bakes Everything — January 22, 2011 @ 6:15 am (#
12
)
Oh this is brilliant. My uncle absolutely LOVED my apple crisp, changing out the oats to granola is freaking genius! Great job, I’m trying this today!
- Liren replied: — January 23rd, 2011 @ 5:31 pm
  
  Hi Amy – thanks!! Hope you did try it – I’m sure your uncle would approve!
wgfoodie — January 22, 2011 @ 6:26 am (#
13
)

I am a granloa junkie as well and can’t wait to try this out. Thanks for sharing!
Tiffany — January 22, 2011 @ 7:54 am (#
14
)

Cool!!! I love discovering new brands. Thanks for the heads up on this product :)
briarrose — January 22, 2011 @ 12:06 pm (#
15
)
Oooo…..granola in apple crisp…..I must try this out…in the name of science of course. ;) It has nothing to do with my unnatural love of both of those foods.
- Liren replied: — January 23rd, 2011 @ 5:31 pm
  
  Oh, in the name of science, of course!! I completely understand :)
Sara @CaffeIna — January 22, 2011 @ 4:49 pm (#
16
)
I’m glad you found a great brand of granola that is close to us! I love supporting local firms so I will totally give this a try!
- Liren replied: — January 23rd, 2011 @ 5:36 pm
  
  Hi Sara, me too! I love supporting our local companies :) Hope you find some and try it soon!
Mateja — January 22, 2011 @ 6:28 pm (#
17
)
Crisps are so good, especially when topped with ice-cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce- beautiful presentation, thank you for sharing :)
- Liren replied: — January 23rd, 2011 @ 5:36 pm
  
  Thank you, Mateja!
Monet — January 22, 2011 @ 10:19 pm (#
18
)
What a beautiful crisp you shared with me. I am seriously drooling! Anything with baked apples and crunchy granola has me sold. Thank you for sharing you review and this inviting recipe with me. Have a Sunday full of laughter, love and plates of good food!
- Liren replied: — January 23rd, 2011 @ 5:41 pm
  
  Hi Monet! Oh, I wish you have a wonderful Sunday, too! I know you always have something yummy up your sleeve, I can’t wait to see what you’ve baked this weekend.
Sylvie @ Gourmande in the Kitchen — January 23, 2011 @ 4:09 am (#
19
)
I’ve seen that granola before, but never tried it. I like the fact that it’s all natural and organic, that’s always a bonus! I like your idea of making it into a crisp, I bet it would be pretty good mixed into ice cream too. I love that last shot with the caramel dripping on the ice cream and the crisp!
- Liren replied: — January 23rd, 2011 @ 5:40 pm
  
  Thank you, Sylvie! Eating this granola is close to eating homemade. And I did have some mixed in with ice cream the other day and it was fabulous!
Priscilla - She's Cookin' — January 23, 2011 @ 11:49 am (#
20
)
I’ll have to look for 18 Rabbits down here – maybe Whole Foods? Thanks for introducing us to them, I’m glad that they lived up to their philosophy and I firmly believe that how we spend our food dollars is the way to food reform. Simple and delicious looking apple crisp, too!
- Liren replied: — January 23rd, 2011 @ 5:39 pm
  
  Hi Priscilla! Yes, they carry 18 Rabbits in many Whole Foods locations. You can also purchase online. And I couldn’t agree more with you about spending our food dollars wisely.
Joy — February 18, 2011 @ 7:41 am (#
21
)

This looks lovely. I adore apple crisp.
Pingback: Maple Glazed Apple Blossoms | Wayfair Blog
Pingback: Irresistible Apple Blossoms | My Way Home
Pingback: somedaytest » Crunchy Vegan Granola