Star Anise Apple Crisp

Ingredients:

• 4 cups peeled, cored, and sliced apples
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon ground star anise
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Pinch of salt
• 3 tablespoons butter, softened

Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, for serving (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the sliced apples and lemon juice. Toss to coat the apples.
3. In another bowl, mix together the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, ground star anise, ground cinnamon, and salt.
4. Cut in the softened butter using a fork or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
5. Place the coated apples in a greased baking dish.
6. Sprinkle the oat mixture evenly over the apples.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender.
8. Allow the apple crisp to cool slightly before serving.
9. Serve warm, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream if desired.

Tips:

• You can adjust the amount of ground star anise and cinnamon to suit your taste.
• This star anise apple crisp is a comforting dessert perfect for cooler weather.