From Side to Sweet: Our Beloved Cranberry Apple Crisp (Plus Tips for Happy Kitchen Helpers!)

Life as a parent of four keeps us on our toes! Between navigating homework, extracurriculars, and the rich tapestry of our Orthodox Jewish traditions, finding meals that please everyone and fit our busy schedule is always a win. And when a dish can pull double duty? Even better!

That’s where our family’s Cranberry Apple Crisp truly shines. While it absolutely satisfies a sweet tooth as a warm and comforting dessert, we often enjoy it as a delightful side dish, especially during holiday meals (yes, it can be made for Passover!) or Shabbat gatherings. The sweet and tart flavors complement savory dishes beautifully, adding a touch of brightness and warmth to the table.

This recipe has become a constant in our home. The kids love the process of making it (and eating it!), and I appreciate its simplicity and adaptability. Plus, involving the children in the kitchen offers invaluable opportunities for connection and learning.

Making Kitchen Time Meaningful (and Manageable):

Over the years, I’ve learned that the key to successful cooking with kids isn’t about achieving culinary perfection but about fostering collaboration and creating positive experiences:

  • Lower Your Expectations (Slightly!): A little spilled flour or unevenly distributed topping is part of the fun! Remember, as a psychologist, I know that focusing on effort and engagement builds much more than just a perfect dish.
  • Delegate Based on Development: Even toddlers can “help” by washing fruit or stirring gently. Older children can practice measuring, peeling (with safe tools!), and even reading recipe steps. My kids often have strong opinions on who gets to add the cinnamon – it’s the little things!
  • Turn it into Talk Time: The kitchen naturally lends itself to casual conversation. Use this time to connect with your kids, ask about their day, and listen without distractions. As a Jewish parenting coach, I believe these everyday moments of connection are crucial for building strong family bonds.
  • Embrace the Mess (Within Reason): Provide aprons, have cleaning supplies handy, and try to see the spills as part of the learning process. One memorable incident involved a rogue cranberry bouncing across the kitchen floor – we all ended up laughing!
  • Keep it Short and Sweet: Shorter tasks are best for younger children. Break down the recipe into manageable steps to keep them engaged without overwhelming them.

A Versatile Crisp for Every Occasion:

What I truly appreciate about this Cranberry Apple Crisp is its flexibility. It pairs wonderfully with roasted chicken, turkey, or even a hearty brisket. The sweetness cuts through savory flavors in a delightful way. And, of course, warmed up with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, it transforms into a comforting and satisfying dessert. For Passover, the simple swap to cake meal ensures everyone can enjoy it!

Our Family’s Cranberry Apple Crisp – Side or Sweet!

Yields: 8-10 servings

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 40-50 minutes

Ingredients:

Topping:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (or cake meal for Passover)
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) margarine, room temperature

Filling:

  • 3 pounds apples, cored and cut into cubes
  • 1 can (14 ounces) whole cranberry sauce or 1 1/2 cups whole cranberries with 1/4 cup additional sugar

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
  2. Make the Topping: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour (or cake meal), sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add the room temperature margarine. Use your fingertips or a pastry blender to cut the margarine into the dry ingredients until coarse crumbs form. Mixing by hand often yields the best texture.
  3. Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the cubed apples and cranberry sauce (or whole cranberries and sugar). Toss gently until the apples are evenly coated.
  4. Assemble and Bake: Pour the apple and cranberry mixture into the prepared baking pan. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the fruit.
  5. Bake for 40 to 50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender and bubbly.
  6. Let the crisp cool slightly before serving. Enjoy it warm as a flavorful side dish alongside your main course, or as a comforting dessert on its own or with your favorite toppings.

Whether it’s gracing our holiday table as a vibrant side or ending a weeknight meal on a sweet note, this Cranberry Apple Crisp is a testament to the simple joys of family, food, and the moments we create together in the heart of our home – the kitchen.

Menu Planning for January

Starting for December, we started planning our menus a little bit more regularly and consistently. The idea builds upon Kosher on a Budget’s November Meal Plan. But instead of doing the exact same thing every week, we settled on the same type of thing for each night. Read more here.

Our kids were actually dealt better with the meals when they knew what was coming up and could make a decision based upon the theme of the night. There is a lot of evening meetings in January, so I think we’ll need to figure out a lot easier meals.

For January, we are going to try to stick to this routine, but add one night besides Friday Night that will be of Variety.

Sunday Lunches- 
Grilled Cheese

Sunday Dinners-
Leftovers from Shabbat or Pizza

Monday-
Mexican (Quesadillas, Burritos, Enchiladas)

Tuesday (Dance Class)- 
Sandwhiches for the kids & Fish for the Adults

Wednesday (Prep for Shabbat Evening)-
Fleish (Hamburgers, Sloppy Joes)

Thursday
Pasta

Shabbat Lunches
We usually do Sandwiches for the kids as they are exhausted from the walk back and forth, especially when it’s cold and just need time to vedge.
For the adults, we have been doing deli and soup.

Soup Ideas:
Mushroom Barley (Jan 3)
Lentil Soup (Jan 10)
Tomato Basil
Split Pea Soup
Mediterranean Tomato Soup

Menu Planning Inspiration

I’m always on the lookout for kid-friendly and interesting ideas for the whole family. Recently I found a Weeknight Meal Planner on Cooking Light. You drag and drop 5 Dishes and then you have a visual meal plan.

Another site I often use that is great for kosher meal planning is Supercook. I love having all of my pantry items listed and then being able to choose which items I don’t want. When I have an ingredient that has sat too long in the pantry or refrigerator, it’s one of the first places I go for inspiration.

I am starting to plan December and using the inspiration from Kosher on a Budget, I am going to stick with a couple routines for December and just vary it a little bit. At school Tuesdays and Thursdays are meat days, so I try to aim to do dairy on those evenings.

Sundays- Leftovers/Pizza

Mondays – Mexican
Quesadillas, Burriots, or Enchiladas

Tuesdays – Sandwiches

Wednesday – Meat Night
Sloppy Joes, Hamburgers, Pasta with Meat Sauce

Thursdays – Fish Night
Fish Sandwiches, French Fries or Fish Tacos with Lettuce