Name: Apple-Cranberry Crisp with Polenta Streusel Topping
Yield: Makes 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 teaspoon aniseed; 1 1/2 cups pastry flour; 3/4 cup polenta (coarse cornmeal)*; 1/2 cup sugar; 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup (1 stick) chilled unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch cubes; 1 large egg, beaten to blend; 2 cups fresh cranberries; 2/3 cup sugar; 2/3 cup (packed) golden brown sugar; 2 teaspoons finely grated lemon peel; 1 1/2 teaspoons finely grated orange peel; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 2 pounds Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, cut into 1-inch cubes; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; Vanilla gelato or ice cream

Applecranberry crisp with a polenta streusel topping in a white oval baking dish.

Photo by Kana Okada

The fragrant spices in this apple crisp are pure Christmas, and the cornmeal in the topping adds a rustic touch.

Recipe notes

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