Fall is in the air. The nights are getting crisp and the moist leaves on the ground have a pleasant and earthy odor. It is a wonderful time loved by many backpackers. Here’s a quick and simple yet yummy dessert that conjures up visions of autumn. Apples, cranberries, and cinnamon spice….all flavors of the fall. This backcountry apple crisp is a tasty treat for two or a decadent dessert for one.

This backpacking dessert is a perfect complement for chilly fall weather.

Ingredients

• 2 oz. dried apples
• 1 oz. dried cranberries
• 4 graham crackers
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon powdered butter

At Home

1. Mix apples and cranberries in a resealable food storage bag.
2. Note that raisins may be substituted for the cranberries. I personally like how the tart taste of the cranberries balances out the sweetness of the other ingredients, however.
3. Add pumpkin pie spice and sugar in resealable food storage bag. Mix.
4. Crush graham crackers, place in resealable food storage bag. Add powdered butter. Mix well.

In Camp

1. Add a cup of water to the bag with the dried fruit. Let this bag sit while dinner is being cooked.
2. When ready to make the dessert, pour out most of the water. Add fruit to cook pot.
3. Simmer the fruit and the little bit of water mixture (perhaps two tablespoons worth of water) until fruit it warm.
4. Add sugar and pumpkin pie spice mix. Mix. Let simmer a bit.
5. When fruit is getting hot, add graham cracker and powdered butter mix. Mix thoroughly.
6. When fruit is covered completely with this mixture, it is time to eat.
7. Enjoy a taste of fall!

Editor's Note: This article by contributor Paul Magnanti originally appeared in Issue 24 of TrailGroove Magazine. You can read the original article here.