Apple Crisp

Preheat oven to 350 F. Spray a 2 1/2 qt casserole dish with Pam. Slice each apple quarter into 3 slices. In a large bowl, or a big pot, put all the apple slices, and the next 5 ingredients together, and gently mix together with your hands. Pour apple mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Dot with the 3 tablespoons of butter. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 35 minutes. While apple filling is baking, prepare the Crisp topping. Put the flour, sugar, oatmeal, butter,and spices, plus the walnuts if you wish, into large bowl. Blend together with a fork until all in incorporated into a nice crumbly texture. You can actually use your fingers to do this instead of a fork Just be sure not to overwork this mixture, or it will form into a large ball...not good! You want the crumbs texture! When apple filling has baked for 35 minutes, remove from oven and let it sit 5 minutes. Then sprinkle on the crumble topping, being sure to cover the entire top of the filling evenly. Return to oven and bake 15 minutes. Let cool until it is just warm, and then serve. Or, you can cool it completely, if you prefer. For a real treat, serve it with Cinnamon Whipped Cream. Recipe for that in TOPPING IT OFF group.