APPLE ALE COBBLER

I know it's not apple season, but we had some June gloom here in Southern California, so a warm cobbler on a cool summer night actually hit the spot! With tangy green apples, vibrant spices, deep brown sugar, and a buttery oat crumble topping that tastes oh-so-good, this Apple Ale Cobbler is sort of an early summer version of the fall favorite.

No matter what season it is, apples are always in style, and for as long as I can remember, apples have been a staple in my life. Whether it was fresh apple pie at Thanksgiving, or Mott's applesauce in my lunch bag at school, this simple, unassuming, earthy fruit can be dressed up or dressed down, used in savory or sweet dishes, or be featured as the main event. It's so versatile as a fruit, which is what makes me love it even more as an adult. 

I love this Apple Ale Cobbler for three reasons: 1) the addition of beer elevates the cobbler I had as a kid growing up 2) the ale perfectly complements the tartness of the apples 3) this dessert is perfect for a large group of people! Make it advance of your summer BBQ, or on the day of, and you'll have a hit for sure! 

APPLE ALE COBBLER

Yields: 12-14 servings
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INGREDIENTS
For the apple filling:
7-8 small green apples, peeled, cored, and cubed
1 tsp ground cinnamon 
1 tsp ground coriander
1 tsp ground cardamom 
1/2 cup brown sugar 
1/2 cup white sugar 
2 tbsp corn starch 
1/4 tsp salt 
1/4 cup brown ale (I used the Claymoor Scotch Ale) 
​1 tbsp lemon juice 

For the crumble:
2 cups oat flour 
2 cups rolled oats 
2 tbsp brown sugar 
1/4 tsp salt 
3 tbsp brown ale beer 
8 tbsp unsalted butter, cold 

INSTRUCTIONS
Preheat the oven to 375. Prepare a 9 inch rectangular ceramic baking dish by buttering the bottom and sides. Set aside.

To make the apple filling, combine the cinnamon, coriander, cardamom, brown sugar, white sugar, corn starch, lemon juice and salt in a large mixing bowl. Add the cubed apples and mix until all apple pieces are covered. Then add the brown ale and mix until all ingredients are combined. Pour mixture into the prepared baking dish. 

To make the crumble, add 1 cup oat flour, 1 cup rolled oats, brown sugar, and salt to a medium bowl. Then cut in 6 tbsp cold butter and add 1 tbsp brown ale. Mix with a fork, using the back of the fork to separate the butter and create a sort of mealy consistency. It should be damp, but mostly dry kind of mixture. Then spread the mixture on top of the apples in the baking dish, creating a crumble layer.

In a separate bowl, combine the remaining 1 cup of flour, 1 cup oats, and 2 tbsp brown ale. Using a fork work the ingredients together until combined. Take the mixture and layer on top of the crumble layer in the baking dish. Cut remaining 2 tbsp of butter into cubes, and place the cubes of butter in 4-5 rows on top. Place the apple crumble in the oven, and bake for 50 min, or until top is golden brown and edges are crispy. 

Serve immediately. Optional: serve with fresh vanilla whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.