I am delighted to share this Wholesome Apple-Cranberry Crisp recipe with you! The original recipe comes from my friend, Mary. She made it for us last weekend with an egg casserole for breakfast and we absolutely loved it. She graciously made substitutions for the refined sugar and flour, which blessed my socks off, and those adjustments are reflected in the gluten-free and grain-free recipe below.

What’s more is this timely, peak-season dish comes with a story, so the original recipe is also included. Recipes hold precious memories, each bite unwrapping the hidden gift of fond feelings.

Here’s Mary’s story:

This recipe was passed along from one of my mom’s dearest friends, Jean. We called her Mrs. Fleck, her abbreviated name from her first marriage. Jean and my mom (Connie) had so much fun together. We were the recipients of the joy and laughter they shared and witnessed the resiliency friendship brought in the transitions and storms of life.
Both Connie and Jean loved to host parties and did so together several times. After Jean lost her second husband to cancer she began a yearly tradition of hosting a brunch for all her friends. This was in thanks for the love and hospitality extended to her in and out of season. She kept it simple and easy to prepare in advance, serving an Egg-Sausage Casserole, this Cranapple Crisp, and Mimosas. My mother was completely enchanted by Jean’s garden party, the thoughtful presentation and deliciousness of the meal.
Food eaten in the company of friends always enriches the heart and makes lovely impressions on our lives. Subsequently, this became our Christmas morning staple. I never prepare or eat this dish without fond thoughts of love and honor for Jean, my mom, and their great friendship.

The original Cranapple Crisp recipe from Jean Bainbridge:

Cranapple Crisp

★★★★★ 5 from 1 reviews

Author: from Jean Bainbridge
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 8

Ingredients

3 c. chopped apples
2 c. fresh cranberries
2 t. flour
1 c. sugar
3 envelopes instant cinnamon spice oatmeal
¾ c. chopped pecans
½ c. flour
½ c. brown sugar
½ c. melted butter

Instructions

Combine apples, cranberries and 2 t. of flour-tossing to coat. Add 1 cup of sugar and mix well. Place in 2 quart casserole dish. Combine oatmeal, pecans, ½ cup of flour and brown sugar. Add butter and mix well. Spoon evenly over the fruit and bake uncovered at 350°F for 45 minutes.

Good food and well-told stories invite us to linger and savor when friends are gathered at the table. When I make this, it will remind me of a fun weekend retreat in a stunning Colorado cabin with some of my favorite people on the planet. And I will smile. The kind of smile that starts in the heart, spreads the corners of my mouth and makes the entire day better.

I do hope you’ll try this recipe for a special brunch or casual dessert this holiday season. And when you do, think about the people in your life you’d like to see more of, or the someone you recently met you’d like to know better. Invite them over to share it with you (it’s gluten-free). Better yet, invite two or three someones and spread the yums … and friendship.

Our Gluten and Grain-Free Wholesome Apple-Cranberry Crisp recipe

… includes coconut flour to soak up the juices from the fruit and almond flour to add an extra bit of nuttiness to the topping. Both can be substituted with sweet rice flour with good results, if desired and keeps it gluten-free. Fall crop apples with dots of fresh, tart cranberries under a nutty-scrumptious topping—it’s the perfect fall and winter treat.