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Strawberry apple crisp: a mid-winter pud?

January 16, 2013 by lizayling 2 Comments

Strawberry and apple crumble – a nod to summer in mid-winter Malta. Rosy reds to cheer us and warm us between storms.

Strawberry apple crisp

Rose and peachy coloured apples

I’d heard that strawberry season had started so swung round to the farmers’ market on the way back from the school run. 8am, stalls bustling, warm sun, a still day. Fewer people on a Tuesday than on busy weekends, but each stall holder was proudly displaying those gigantic strawberries that are a hallmark of Malta’s crop. I bought a kilo for 8 euro; an indulgence I couldn’t resist. In that purchasing moment, it was summer five months early. But don’t let these airily light photos deceive…

Strawberries, a mid-winter treat in Malta

I rushed home with this crumble recipe in mind wondering though if it would be a shame to cook them up when they were perfect whole and sweetness themselves – not always the case with winter strawberries. An hour later, mid way through photographing them, the day changed. The warm, gentle start became a ripping squall, evil black skies and a half hour of hail and brimstone. A hot pudding was on the menu as quick as the lightening flashes.

Strawberry and apple crisp

I’d had all the doors and windows open to air the house and let in some heat. In 30 seconds, all hell was let loose; a rustle of the palm tree was the first clue. Then came an ominous darkening in my study. Before I could peak out to see what was up, the house became a ship all at sea. Curtains tugging, shutters banging, washing ripping at the line like sails mid storm. I dashed up the spiral stairs in the gloom attempting to batten down top hatches before serious damage was done.

Strawberry and apple crisp mid winter pudding
Later on, the sun returned. We’d survived the squall. Not so lucky an escape for others. As I drove to the school late afternoon, I noticed the landscape had changed since 8am. Heaps of white ice were banked up roadside reminding me of the snow and ice I drove on for weeks two winters ago in England. I passed a car riding a roadsign. A slide not a right-off smash, but it looked nasty all the same. Malta has winter and it’s started now! Thanks goodness for those strawberries bringing some cheer.

All images © Liz Ayling 2013

Strawberry apple crisp or crumble
 
Print
Prep time
15 mins
Cook time
35 mins
Total time
50 mins
 
Malta's strawberries start in January but if your harvest in summer, not to worry, this pudding is delish any time of year, warm (or cold!). Makes one large or 6-8 small ramekin size.
Author: The Red Bistro
Recipe type: Warm Dessert
Cuisine: British
Serves: 6-8
Ingredients
  • 400g stawberries (give or take this amount; no need to be accurate)
  • 3-4 medium-large dessert apples
  • 250g plain flour
  • 125g unsalted butter
  • 100g Demerara sugar
  • 100g rolled oats
Method
  1. Preheat oven to 180°C.
  2. Rub butter into the flour until the mix is like fine breadcrumbs (you can do this in a food processor).
  3. Add rolled oats and sugar and set aside while you peel, core and cube the apples roughly and slice up the strawberries. Combine both fruit in a bowl.
  4. Butter your cooking dishes, either one large souflet size or 6-8 small ramekins.
  5. Spoon the chopped fruits into the dish, leaving a couple of inches at the top.
  6. Spoon over the crumble topping evenly, patting down a little. Sprinkle a little more Demerara on top.
  7. Bake in the oven for 30-40 minutes (smaller dishes take less time) until lightly golden on top and some fruit has bubbled up a bit (that way, you know the fruit mix is cooked through).
  8. Serve immediately with cream or ice cream if desired. You can freeze crumbles and any leftover topping.
3.2.2885

 

Filed Under: Fruit, Hot desserts, Latest on the menu Tagged With: apple, crisp, crumble, pudding, strawberry

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Comments

  1. Anne says

    January 16, 2013 at 10:43 am

    Yummi! And AMAZING photos as always!!

    Reply
    • Red Bistro says

      January 16, 2013 at 11:10 am

      Thanks Anne for your encouragement as a pro! The great light in Malta, that you work with and love so well, makes for great natural photos too. I also have fantastic produce to work with here as well!

      Reply

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About Red Bistro

I am Liz, a food & lifestyle blogger and photographer based in Malta, an archipelago at the centre of the Mediterranean. The Red Bistro is my creative space: a photo diary of cultural and culinary Mediterranean life. Read More…

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