Winter Fruit Crisp

7      ounces mixed dried fruits (apples, pears, apricots, dried plums)

2      large Golden Delicious

apples, peeled, cored and cut into

1⁄ 8-inch squares

3      Bosc pears, peeled, cored and cut into 1⁄ 8-inch squares

1      cup dried cranberries

1      whole cinnamon stick grated zest of one orange

½     cup sugar

1      tablespoon chopped crystallized ginger or 1 teaspoon ground ginger

1      teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Crumb Topping

1      cup unbleached, all-purpose flour

1      cup uncooked oats, quick or regular

¾     cup packed brown sugar

½     teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

12    tablespoons unsalted butter, softened (1½ sticks)

Nutritional information per serving (based on 12 servings): Calories 371 (29% from fat) • carb. 64g • pro. 3g • fat 13g • sat. fat 7g

• chol. 31mg • sod. 14mg • calc. 38mg • fiber 5g

Lightly coat the interior of the ceramic pot of the Cuisinart® Slow Cooker with cooking spray. Cut any large pieces of dried fruit into 1- to 2-inch pieces; place in prepared slow cooker. Add dried fruits, apples, pears and cranberries; stir gently. Add cinnamon, orange zest, sugar, ginger, nutmeg, rum and vanilla; stir gently to combine.

Place the flour, oats, brown sugar, and nutmeg in a medium bowl; stir. Add the butter and knead, using fingers, until the mixture resembles large crumbs. Sprinkle this crumb topping over fruit, patting it down lightly. Cover and press the on/off button to turn the unit on. Set time to 4 hours and press Low; slow cooker will automatically switch to Warm when cooking time has elapsed until ready to

serve. When done, fruits will be tender and bubbling and topping will be lightly browned.

Serve warm with ice cream or frozen yogurt.