Brown Betties are similar to fruit crisps and cobblers, but they rely on toasted bread crumbs to bind the filling and to produce a crunchy topping. If you can’t find Gala apples, use other crisp, slightly tart varieties, such as Granny Smith.

　　

Ingredients

serves 6

　　4 to 5 slices white sandwich bread, torn into large pieces

　　4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted

　　2 1/2 pounds Gala apples (about 6), peeled, cored, and cut into 1/2-inch-thick slices

　　2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

　　1/3 cup packed light- or dark-brown sugar

　　1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, plus more for serving (optional)

　　1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

　　Vanilla ice cream, for serving (optional)

　　

Step 1

Preheat oven to 375°F. In a food processor, pulse bread until coarse crumbs form (to yield 2 cups). Spread bread crumbs on a rimmed baking sheet; bake until golden, tossing occasionally, 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer to a bowl; let cool completely. Add butter, and toss until evenly coated.

　　

Step 2

Place apples in a large bowl, and toss with lemon juice. Stir in brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and half the bread crumbs. Transfer mixture to a shallow 2-quart baking dish. Sprinkle with remaining bread crumbs. Cover dish tightly with aluminum foil.

　　

Step 3

Bake until fruit mixture is bubbling, about 40 minutes. Remove foil, and continue baking until bread crumbs are browned and apples are easily pierced with the tip of a sharp knife, 10 to 15 minutes more. Let cool at least 15 minutes before serving. If desired, top with ice cream and sprinkle with cinnamon.

　　Everyday Food: Fresh Flavor Fast by Martha Stewart Living Magazine. Copyright © 2010 by Martha Stewart Living Magazine. Published by the Crown Publishing Group. All Rights Reserved.Martha Stewart Living magazine was first published in 1990. Over the years, more than two dozen books have been published by the magazine’s editors.Martha Stewart is the author of dozens of best-selling books on cooking, entertaining, gardening, weddings, and decorating. She is the host of The Martha Stewart Show, the successful daily syndicated television show.