Faux Apple Crisp (Keto and Gluten Free)

Apples are a forbidden fruit on the low carb diet, but this mock apple crisp using zucchini is a clever way to trick your taste buds when you crave apples. It is also a great way to sneak veggies into your kids' diet or those stubborn husbands who won't eat anything green! We use a sugar substitute to keep it keto friendly, but feel free to use real sugar.

"APPLE" FILLING:

6 cups zucchini peeled and sliced* (see note below)

3 tbsp Red Apple Balsamic Vinegar

2/3 cup sugar substitute (such as Swerve or Splenda)

3/4 tsp ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

TOPPING:

1 1/4 cup Original Nut Crumbs

1/4 cup sugar substitute

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1/4 cup Vegan Butter Olive Oil

In medium bowl, combine zucchini, Red Apple Balsamic Vinegar , sweetener, cinnamon and nutmeg until well blended. Pour mixture into a greased 9 x 9-in. baking dish.

For topping, combine Nut Crumbs, sweetener and cinnamon in a bowl. Stir in Vegan Butter Olive Oil until crumbly. Sprinkle over the zucchini mixture.

Bake at 350 F for 45-50 minutes or until zucchini is tender.

*Cut the ends off the zucchini, peel either using a vegetable peeler, or running your chefs knife down along the sides. Cut zucchini in half lengthwise. With a spoon, scoop out seeds. Slice each half to create half-moon slices which really look like apples.