I learned something interesting this weekend about this month. January 1st was a special new year’s day, as is the rest of this year, actually. In numerology, 2018 is an “11” – this number is considered by some to be a “master karmic number”, which holds a sacred vibration. Have you ever looked at the clock and caught that special 11:11 time? I always felt it was special, but I never really thought about why it was. Little did i used to know, the number 11 represents an enlightening and transformative sense a balance and alignment. This will feel especially different on days like New Year’s Day, January 11th, November 1st, and November 11th.

 If you aren’t familiar with numerology, I highly recommend taking a look into some books about it. Each number, much like anything else present here on earth that has roots in ancient civilization, has its own vibrational energy and meaning, and ties into literally everything. We base everything in today’s world off of numbers – time, money, organization, everything. Number 1 can mean something different to anyone, but in its purest form, it represents the beginning. Are you looking to start something? This month (or even this year!) is a great time to do so — not just your New Years’ Intentions, but something to carry through the rest of your life. This could be meditating, a new hobby, exercising more — anything that can improve your life for the better.

 This is particularly important today, as today is the start of the New Moon for this month. Set some goals, be clear about your approach, and stick with it! 🙂

Winter Apple Crisp (Vegan, Gluten-Free)

Prep time: 20 min

Cook time: 40 min

Serves 5-7

Ingredients:

For  the filling

• 5-6 apples (any kind you like!) – peeled, cored and sliced
• ¾ cup organic brown sugar
• 1 tsp organic vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp allspice
• 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
• ¼ cup vegan butter alternative (or ghee), melted
• Pinch of finely ground Himalayan sea salt

For the crumble topping

• ¾ cup gluten free-certified oats
• 3/4 cup gluten-free baking flour
• ¾ cup organic brown sugar
• 8 oz organic vegan butter (cold); or 1 stick cold organic butter, cut into ½ in cubes
• 1 tbsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp allspice

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a glass 9x13in baking dish and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, toss apples with all of the filling ingredients and mix to coat thoroughly.
3. In a separate bowl, mix together all of the crumble ingredients except your butter. Once dry ingredients are mixed, add in the butter, a little at a time, pressing the crumble into the pieces of butter. You don’t need to be neat – if anything, really pressing the ingredients into the butter is better.  The butter should be reduced into mixture until you’re left with large/coarse crumbs.
4. Spread the apple filling evenly within the baking dish, patting gently to make sure there are no gaps. Sprinkle the crumb mixture over the apples, ensuring all of the apples are covered.
5. Bake for 35-40 minutes, until the top becomes golden and the apple mixture is bubbling. Allow to cool before serving.

Enjoy!

-S