Everyday I look out onto a large, apricot tree just waiting for the bright pops of orange to appear so I can make this recipe. In fact, I’ve made it twice in the past two days as my husband declares it his favorite crisp ever…and this is coming from a non-apricot-loving person. There is something about those pecans and the spice mix that really upgrade this recipe.
If you don’t have access to a big, fruitful apricot tree, head to your local farmer’s market for these tiny fruits. Chances are they came from someone else’s tree and you’ll find them far superior to anything picked up at the grocery store. Good quality fruit really makes a difference in a dessert like this!
Spiced Apricot Crisp (adapted from Sunset magazine)
Prep and Cook Time: about 1 hour; yield: 6 good-sized servings
PREPARATION:
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon freshly-ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon cardamom
1/4 teaspoon fleur de sel (or good sea salt)
1/3 cup packed dark brown sugar
2/3 cup rolled oats (quick-cooking or old-fashioned both seem to work)
1/2 cup chopped pecans
6 cups pitted fresh apricots, cut into thirds (about 28-30 little apricots; less if they are bigger); you do not need to peel the apricots (!!)
juice of one, large lemon
pinch of Romina’s spice mix*
3 tablespoons sugar
PREPARATION:
1. Preheat oven to 350° and grab a seasoned, 8″ cast iron skillet. Melt butter and let cool (about 40 seconds on high in the micro).
2. Toss apricots with the lemon juice, sugar and pinch of spice mix. Allow to sit on the counter or in the fridge to allow the flavors to meld. If you have a chance, make this portion ahead of time. I like to allow the flavors to blend for a few hours.
3. Whisk together flour, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cardamom, cloves, salt, and brown sugar. Stir in oats and pecans, then stir in melted butter.
4. Spread fruit in skillet and crumble the topping over the apricots. Bake until bubbling, about 40-45 minutes. Allow to cool for about 10-15 minutes before adorning with a scoop (or two) of good quality vanilla ice cream. Go for the brand with only 5 recognizable ingredients 
It’ll be that much better!
sounds great-excited to try this. but don’t see a measurement listed for cloves but its included in step 3? also seems odd to make and add “spice mix” when the mix’s ingredients are the same as those listed separately for the recipe. why not just sprinkle a little extra of each of the four spices into the apricot mixture.