Peach Crumble

I absolutely LOVE quick and easy recipes and when I realized that the amazingly ripe peaches from the store were perfect for a summer snack I just couldn’t resist.

The fruit crumbles are by far one of the easiest and my favorite for a quick snack or wowing that dinner guest. The prep time on these is roughly 10 minutes and with a 45 minutes of lead time can be baked off and ready to eat in all their gooey goodness.

Here’s what you do… I’m laying this out in a two serving recipe so you don’t feel like you’ll be eating a dessert dish for the next week.

In a bowl mix together 1 peach (or really any fruit you can imagine) diced up, then sprinkle with a teaspoon of flour. If your so inclined a little zest of lemon and/or orange adds a nice kick to the filling. If your feeling extra daring a splash of caramel liquor or brandy can turn it up even more. Spoon the filling into a single serve ramekin (these I think are both practical and elegant).

Next mix up the “crumble” topping (Are you drooling yet?).  1 tablespoon each of flour, oatmeal and brown sugar. Sprinkle in a little cinnamon and add a tablespoon of chilled butter.  Mash this together with a fork until the mixture forms a nice crumbled topping.  Sprinkle this over the filling and its off to the oven.

Pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees and bake the fruit crumble for 45 minutes to an hour, until its nice and bubbly and the crumble has browned slightly.  Enjoy!  Personally I like a nice ice cold glass of milk to accompany this treat.

Here are some great fruit ideas; Apples, Pears, Raspberries, Blueberries, Strawberries, Rhubarb (yes I’m Norwegian and from Minnesota – we HAVE to include Rhubarb as a birth right), Peaches, Plums and Cherries.

So next time you have a little craving for something sweet and tart, whip up a quick crumble, its really a lot faster and easier than you would think.

Apple Crumble

Topping:
1 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
3/4 cup white sugar
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup toffee chips
1/4 cup walnuts chopped
1/2 lb. Cold butter cubed

Mix in stand mixer till mixture starts to come together (about the size of small peas)

Filling:
3 lbs cubed washington or fiji apples (pick your favorite)
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup white sugar
1/4 cup flour
1 cup caramel liqueur (varies depending of moisture content of apples)

Mix together and spread out in a ceramic baking dish.  Spread crumble topping over.  Bake 40 to 45 minutes at 375 degrees.

Enjoy this with some vanilla ice cream and your favorite guests.

Christopher!