digest
Short Summary
Main recommendation: Make Cran-Apple Crunch Kugel using Comstock apple pie filling mixed with fresh or frozen cranberries, topped with a crumbly cinnamon-sugar margarine streusel and baked uncovered at 375°F for about 45 minutes. The host explains that this shortcut version replaces a harder method, suggested by her sister-in-law Debbie, of peeling and slicing many apples and using whole berry cranberry sauce.
Key Points
- The host switched from a labor-intensive apple-and-whole-berry-cranberry-sauce method to store-bought apple pie filling and fresh cranberries, which she describes as far easier.
- Comstock apple pie filling is recommended because it is less sweet than other brands, which balances the very tart cranberries.
- The host chooses products by looking for the Good Housekeeping seal of approval, which she says has never steered her wrong.
- The dish is meant to be served as a side that also works like dessert, and she says it is good hot or cold.
Details Worth Noting
- Concrete instructions:
- Spread the Comstock apple pie filling in a pie plate, then add fresh or frozen (fresh-frozen) cranberries and mix them together in the pie plate until evenly spread into a smooth layer.
- Make the topping with flour, 4 teaspoons brown sugar, 4 tablespoons white sugar, a little cinnamon, and about a half cup of margarine (the host uses a healthy margarine).
- Chop the margarine coarsely, then work it into the dry ingredients with your hands to form a crumbly topping; room-temperature margarine makes this easier.
- Spread the crumble evenly over the apple and cranberry layer.
- Bake uncovered in a preheated 375°F oven for about 45 minutes.
- Serve by scooping straight from the baking dish with a big spoon, since it does not cut into neat slices.
- The cranberries release juice as they bake, so the filling oozes out around the topping.
- The host notes the aroma while baking, comparing it to baking apple pie for a home sale.
Bottom Line
This is a quick, forgiving kugel: pre-made apple pie filling and fresh cranberries replace the labor-heavy original, and the crumble topping and bake time do the rest.
