Introduction: Foxtail Millet Apple Crumble is a delightful and wholesome dessert that combines the classic flavors of apple crumble with the nutritious benefits of foxtail millet. The crisp and crumbly topping, paired with the tender baked apples, creates a comforting and satisfying treat that’s perfect for any season.

Ingredients:

For the Filling:

• 4 large apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1/4 cup brown sugar or coconut sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour or cornstarch (for thickening)

For the Crumble Topping:

• 1/2 cup foxtail millet
• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup almond meal or flour
• 1/4 cup brown sugar or coconut sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup cold butter or coconut oil, cut into small pieces
• A pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch square baking dish or a similar-sized ovenproof dish.
2. Prepare the Apple Filling:
   • In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and flour (or cornstarch).
   • Transfer the apple mixture to the prepared baking dish.
3. Cook the Foxtail Millet:
   • Rinse the foxtail millet under cold water.
   • In a small saucepan, bring 1 cup of water to a boil.
   • Add the rinsed millet, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the millet is tender and the water is absorbed.
   • Fluff the cooked millet with a fork and let it cool.
4. Prepare the Crumble Topping:
   • In a medium bowl, combine the cooked foxtail millet, rolled oats, almond meal, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
   • Cut in the cold butter or coconut oil using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
5. Assemble and Bake:
   • Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apple filling in the baking dish.
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbly and tender.
6. Cool and Serve:
   • Allow the crumble to cool slightly before serving. This will help the filling set and make it easier to serve.
   • Enjoy warm on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt.

Tips:

• For added flavor, consider mixing in a handful of chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans) into the crumble topping.
• You can substitute different fruits (such as pears or berries) for the apples to create variations of this crumble.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.

Conclusion: Foxtail Millet Apple Crumble is a wholesome and delicious dessert that brings together the goodness of foxtail millet with the classic flavors of apple crumble. With a crispy topping and tender apple filling, this crumble is a comforting treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy it warm for a delightful dessert experience!