Gluten Free/Dairy Free Apple crumble

So for my birthday my wonderful girlfriend Megan asked me what I wanted. I told her I would love to have apple pie. I know a weird request for a birthday. The 2 1/2 years I have been gluten free I have NOT had apple pie. So we went to Whole Foods bought a pre-made gluten free crust, apples, brown sugar and the rest of the ingredients we didn't already have.

So Friday September 10th two days before the big 3-0 hits, Megan and Nathan (left) prepare for the daunting task of making me an apple pie. Now being gluten free does come with some restrictions and if you are not very creative good luck with enjoying food. Good thing we are very creative or at least think quickly enough for a suitable substitute when needed.

She made the filling with 4 Granny Smith apples, 3/4 cup dried cranberries (Ocean Spray mark theirs Gluten Free on the package), zest of 1 lime (but she used a lemon from our tree), 1tbsp of freshly squeezed lemon juice, 1/8 c of granulated sugar and 1 tsp of pumpkin pie spice. I was shocked to see that she only used 1/8 cup of sugar and it came out so sweet!

The nondairy crisp topping was so good. I will admit I was surprised. I am not a baker, I cook. I don't care for all the prep and waiting around to see how my creation turned out. I just don't have the patience. But this pie made me want to start. She used Bob's Red Mill gluten free flour mix, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, vegetable oil (instead of cream) and the surprise of the night Kinnikinnick's graham crackers. If you haven't tried these go to Whole Foods and pick up a package you will not be disappointed.

After eating the pie, we weren't all that impressed with Whole Foods' crust and felt that that the filling could be a little more moist. It was definitely sweet enough. We might use a different fruit other than cranberries to offset the tartness of the apples. Adding orange juice to the filling would help for the moistness we were looking for and maybe brushing some earth balance butter over the crust too. We have some ideas for the next time we make it. (hopefully tomorrow)