Today is National Apple Betty Day. According to nationaltoday.com, the observance is celebrated every year on Oct. 5. If you don’t know what an apple Betty is, you are not alone! There is much uncertainty surrounding this delicious dessert and her relatives.

The Encyclopedia of American Food and Drink tells us that the “Brown Betty” was first mentioned in print way back in 1864. It is a traditional American dessert made from apples but can also be made with berries or pears. Very similar to a cobbler or a crisp, a Betty is baked with sweetened crumbs, which are placed in layers between the fruit.

The main difference between an apple crisp and an apple Betty lies on top. Betty’s topping is a crispy blend of butter, brown sugar and flour. A traditional apple crisp topping, however, usually includes oats.

No matter what apple dessert you prefer, or what you want to call it, there is no denying that this is the perfect time of the year to enjoy it. Grab some fresh apples from your local orchard and get in the kitchen to try it out!

Grandma’s Apple Brown Betty

INGREDIENTS

• 10 - 12 baking apples; peeled, cored and sliced

• 2 teaspoons cinnamon

• 1 ¼ cups flour

• ¾ cup brown sugar

• ¼ pound butter

For the syrup:

• ⅔ cup brown sugar

• ¼ cup hot water

• ½ lemon, juice of

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 350 F.

2. Arrange apple slices in the bottom of a lightly greased 9 x 12 pan. Sprinkle with cinnamon.

3. Mix flour and brown sugar in bowl. Cut in butter until crumbly and set aside.

4. Make the syrup by combining the ingredients and stirring well.

5. Drizzle half of the syrup mixture over the apples. Cover with the flour mix. Pour the remaining syrup over the top. Bake for one hour.

Recipe Card for Grandma’s Apple Brown Betty

Recipe Source: food.com