Hot Cranberry Apple Casserole

Stock up on the fresh cranberries before they are gone from the grocery store shelves.  This fall, early winter treat is a refreshing change after having stuffed yourself on Christmas cookies.   The recipe is from an email received from the GE appliance website.  We found this back in December 2010 and have made it a few times as an alternate dessert choice.    

Now, if I did not have to worry about calories I would want anything chocolate or peanut butter for dessert.  I do love a hot apple pie or pumpkin pie around this time of year.  Apple crisp is another fall and winter favorite that I don't feel as guilty indulging in.  My kids love dessert as well, especially my son who has to find something every night for dessert.  My daughter love desserts like this crisp or anything with fruit involved.  I think that once she starts college to become an RD, our dessert indulgence might change to healthier lower calorie treats.  Or, I secretly share my indulgent desserts with my mom who I got my sweet tooth from while our daughter is away at school. 

Hot Cranberry Apple Casserole

Ingredients

3 cups apples, peeled, cored and chopped
2 cups whole cranberries, raw
1 1/2 tsp lemon juice
1 1/2 cups sugar ( we cut the sugar down to just 1 cup for some tartness)
1 1/3 cups quick cooking oatmeal
1 cup chopped walnuts
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
1 stick butter, melted

Preparation
Preheat oven to 325 F.  Combine apples and cranberries in oiled 2 quart casserole dish. Evenly sprinkle sugar and lemon juice over top. Add oatmeal, chopped walnuts, brown sugar and melted butter to medium-sized mixing bowl and blend until moistened. Cover fruit with crumb mixture. Bake uncovered for 75 minutes.