FRENCH APPLE COBBLER

Boy Eats World!
by David Lawrence

For those who love apple pie, but are put off by the idea of making and rolling out pie pastry, this simple cobbler recipe is for you. You get all the flavor of tart apples and cinnamon, plus an unexpected hint of vanilla, with a fraction of the work. A definite winner in my book!
Serves 8

FOR THE FILLING
• 5 cups peeled and thinly sliced Granny Smith apples
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• Pinch of kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, room temperature

FOR THE TOPPING
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg, slightly beaten


Directions
Preheat the oven to 350°F

To make the filling, combine the sliced apples, sugar, flour, cinnamon, salt, and vanilla in a large bowl and mix to combine. Pour the filling into an ungreased 9x13-inch baking dish and dot with softened butter.

To make the topping, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Stir in the melted butter and egg until the batter is smooth and well combined. Drop large spoonfuls of the batter randomly over the apples; the batter will not completely cover the filling, but will expand during baking.

Bake until bubbling and golden brown, 35 to 40 minutes. Serve with fresh whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.