Apple Crisp

Well, I've lost my edge. Apple crisp is a deceptively easy recipe, that I have now botched for a second time. I used to make this all the time with ease, but I guess not baking often means I forgot some techniques/definitions, etc. BUT at least I think I know the problem... While mixing together the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt and butter, I didn't let the butter get soft enough to really coat all the dry bits before throwing it in the oven. Instead I used cold hard butter (what you would use to make a nice flaky quiche crust), but not a lovely crumble. The apple crisp turned out very dry on the crumble top part leaving it a crispy, less flavorful crunchy "crust." Bummer.
I will try again this fall though, because it's just too shameful for me to make a so-so dessert. Anyway check out the neat pictures!

Before

After

Santa Maria style BBQ!

Here's a fun diversion ....

We had a traditional Santa Maria style barbecue a couple weeks ago, and I'm now finally getting around to posting. I made my own rub for the Tri-Tip, homemade salsa, garlic bread, and pinquinto beans with terroir-appropriate wine (in my opinion). Was fab!


Prepping...

And I also made Apple Crisp. Only one pic before baking and devouring...