The month of September is a perfect time to celebrate our grandparents. The comfort found in the beauty of fall is much like the delight found in the relationship with grandparents. They are, or have been, a special light in our lives, much like the golden light found in September. When we celebrate World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly on Sunday, Sept. 8 this year, it is fitting to reflect on their importance in our lives.
Pope Francis established the day in 2021 on the fourth Sunday in July, near the liturgical memorial of Sts. Joachim and Anne, the grandparents of Jesus. The U.S. Bishops approved the transfer of the celebration to the first weekend after Labor Day to coincide with National Grandparents Day in the U.S.
Grandparents are a treasure. They offer profound wisdom and experience that can be invaluable in guiding younger people. And they are instrumental in passing on their strong Catholic faith. Pope Francis, himself in his 80s, recognizes the value that people in their golden years can bring. Speaking to a group of seniors, he commented, “What is our vocation today, at our age? To preserve our roots, to pass on the faith to the young and to care for the little ones. Never forget this.”
When we think of our grandparents, many of us have fond memories of “Grandma’s cooking,” whether it be oatmeal cookies, green bean casserole or homemade applesauce. The favorite in our family was – hands-down – Grandma’s apple cobbler. No one could make it quite like her, and it was a staple at our family gatherings. These memories of food and family live on for us; they are a bridge to the past and occupy a place of honor in the future. Family stories, moments of profound faith and holiday traditions – these are important connections that help us stay grounded in a world that feels as though it is constantly shifting.
This month, enjoy the comfort of this delicious apple cobbler – just like Grandma used to make – in the company of good friends and family. And, while enjoying it, may the treasure trove of spiritual gifts and special memories you have received from your elders come flooding back and offer comfort and clarity.
Classic Apple Cobbler
Filling:
- 5 pounds apples, tart and sweet
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- ¾ cup sugar
- ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
- 5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 1 egg
- ½ cup cold butter
- 2 tablespoons sugar
Directions:
Peel, slice apples (⅛-inch-thick). Place lemon zest, juice and apples into large covered stockpot, set over medium heat. Sprinkle sugars, flour, spices, salt over apples and mix well but gently. Cook about 20 minutes, stirring frequently, until apples are desired texture. (They will not soften more in the oven.)
Remove apples from heat, stir in vanilla. Scrape filling into 9x13 dish, set aside to cool. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Blend dry ingredients for topping in large bowl. Whisk buttermilk and egg separately, pour onto dry ingredients.
Using a pastry blender, cut liquid into the flour mixture until a rough dough forms. Drop evenly on top of apple filling. Cut butter into ½-inch cubes, dot across topping. Sprinkle sugar over all.
Bake 45-55 minutes until golden and bubbly. Cool 15-30 minutes before serving.
