Caramel Apple Crumb

I am so glad to get back in my kitchen to bake, I feel like I was gone forever. Today I wanted to do something warm and cozy. I really love crisps, crumbs, and cobblers - they are so perfect when it's cold like this. I found this recipe in Bon Appetit magazine some time ago and thought I'd try it. Serve it hot with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. You just can't go wrong.

Topping

1 1/4 cups of all purpose flour

1 c oatmeal

10 Tbsp sugar
3/4 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp sea salt
1/8 tsp ground allspice
1/8 tsp nutmeg
10 Tbsp. (1 1/4 sticks) of butter. Cold and cut into tiny pieces

Filling:
1/2 of sugar

1/4 c (1/2 stick) butter, diced
2 Tbsp. of fresh lemon juice
1/2 tsp. of salt
6 small apples (about 2 3/4 pounds), peeled + quartered (use your favorite, I used Fuji apples)

To make your topping. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg. Add oatmeal and toss in the pieces of butter and, using your fingertips, squash it into the dry ingredients until small clumps the size of peas form. Don't worry about having uniform sizes, just be sure the butter is evenly dispersed. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use. This step can be done a day ahead.
Now make your filling, preheat the oven to 375º and have an 9x13x2" (ungreased) glass baking dish ready to go. Place the sugar and butter into a large skillet and stir over medium heat until a smooth sauce forms. Add the lemon juice and continue to cook, stirring until the caramel is a medium to deep brown. It will take 5-8 minutes but mine took a little longer. Keep your eyes on it, you want the caramel color. You will be baking this too so don't burn the caramel- set a little aside for drizzling. Add salt and apples and toss until they are evenly coated with caramel. Pour apples and caramel into the baking dish. Spread them around in an even layer. Sprinkle with the chilled topping.
Bake for about 50 minutes or until the apples are tender (test carefully by piercing with a fork). The sauce will thicken and the topping should be golden. Remove from oven and place on a wire rack. Wait at least 30 minutes before serving. Serve it with ice cream and drizzle with caramel sauce.