4th of July Strawberry Apple Pie

What You Need:

• 1/3 cup butter
• ½ cup packed brown sugar
• 1/3 cup flour
• 1/3 cup whole, rolled oats
• Optional: ¼ cup chopped pecans
• One frozen pie crust shell, 9” deep dish
• 1 cup cut-up strawberries
• 3 1/2 cups sliced, cored apples (we like to leave the skins on, but you can peel them if you like!)
• 2/3 cup brown sugar
• ¾ teaspoon cinnamon
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch

What You Do:

1. To make the topping, using a fork or pastry cutter to cut the butter (mash it) into the flour until the butter is no larger than a small green pea. Then add the sugar and oats, and mix thoroughly. Add pecans if desired, and set the mixture aside.
2. Set your frozen pie crust on a tabletop to thaw slightly. In the meantime, set your child to work helping you wash and chop apples and strawberries. Make sure you remove the seeds and cores from the apples; you may also want to peel them, but you can also keep them on for the extra nutrition!
3. Have your child help you measure and mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, and cornstarch in a small bowl. Place the chopped fruit in a large bowl, and then pour the sugar brown sugar mixture over it and toss to fully coat the fruit.
4. Pour the whole thing into your pie crust shell and shake it gently to distribute the fruit. (Note: pie crust sizes will vary somewhat. Try to make sure that the fruit reaches the same level as the edge, mounds slightly in the center, and doesn’t overflow!)
5. Working quickly, use your hands to distribute the oat topping on top of the filling. Press it down to cover the entire top of the pie, and then bake your pie at 350° for about 30 minutes, or until the top and bottom crusts are golden brown and fragrant.
6. Serve alone or with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a classic, all-American treat!