Apple Crisp

This is not a beautiful dessert, but it's really nice. Whenever I go to visit my parents my mom tries to get me to make it..
The recipe was partially taken from one of the Julia Child's books. She's very cool - in an insane foodie sort of way. My favourite line by her is " if it tastes bland you just douse it in Bourbon.."

I never follow recipes, so in fact this one has become my own..and you should likewise modify - it keeps things interesting. So this is what you will need:

The filling:
6 Tart apples - I like Granny Smith (don't use Bramleys - they turn into mush)
Juice of 1 - 2 lemons - really depends on your taste
1 tablespoon of white sugar
Cinnamon - use to taste - I like a lot, so usually toss in a two tablespoons or so
A little butter
I usually like to add berries - quantity does not matter.
1/2-1 cup of Raspberries, or Cranberries make the crisp exciting..
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Peel and core the apples, and slice them into thin slices (about 1/4 -1/3 inch in thickness)
Mix all of the above ingredients and place in a glass covered (<--important) dish. Place in the oven to cook (350F should do nicely) for about 25 minutes, or until the apples start becoming a little soft and give some juice. in the meantime:

The crumble:
1 cup of oats
1/2 cup of flour
3/4 cup of Brown Sugar
3/4 stick of butter (cold)
you can also add some crushed nuts - walnuts, almonds or filberts work best. But hey if you feel like experimenting with other kind - why not?

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Cut up butter into small pieces and add all of the dry ingredients
Mix the mixture (you can with your hands, just make sure you wash them ;) until everything is coated with butter, the crumble is crumbly - small balls about 1/3 in in diameter.

Now check on the filling - are the apples starting to get soft? Make sure they are not mush.

Butter a square or a round pan and place a little of the topping on the bottom. Now place all of the hot apples on top, and cover with the rest of the crumble topping.

The whole lot goes into the oven (uncovered this time) for about 45minutes - or until the crumble is golden brown - 425F should do the trick.

Now take out, cool and serve..alone or with ice cream.
Presto!