A mini version of the quintessential fruity British dessert, but with a much lower carbohydrate count. Instructions for a family-size crumble also given.
- 100 g frozen or fresh blackberries or sour cherries, chopped plums or blueberries
- 30 g apple, chopped
- 1.5 tsp low-carb brown sugar or t tsp brown sugar
- ½ tsp orange zest
- ⅛ tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp orange juice or water; as needed only
- ⅛ tsp ground psyllium or arrowroot; optional for thickening
- 20 g pecan or almond flour toasted if you wish
- 4 walnut halves, chopped
- 1 tsp ghee (solid) butter or coconut oil (solid)
- 1 tbsp low-carb brown sugar or ¾ tbsp brown sugar
- ¼ tsp ground cinnamon scant measure
- 1 tsp sesame seeds
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Preheat the oven to 160C fan/180C/350F.
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Add the berries, apple pieces, low-carb brown sugar, orange zest and cinnamon to a saucepan and heat gently. Cook - adding water or juice as necessary - until the apple breaks down a bit and softens. The timing and need for extra liquid will depend on the type of apple you use. Add in psyllium or arrowroot if liked to thicken a bit, but it shouldn't be necessary. I don't use them.
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Add the crumble ingredients to a small mixing bowl. Use a fork or your fingers to mix together to a sandy-textured mixture. You should be able to squeeze it into small, dryish clumps. If not, add a little more ghee (not more than half a teaspoon).
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Scrape the fruity filling into a small personal sized skillet or dish - or two ramekins. Crumble over the topping, pressing it between your fingers to make clumps as you add it - these bits are the tastiest once baked! Pop in the centre of your oven and bake for 10 minutes. Allow to cool slightly. Serve on its own or with a dollop of ice cream, yogurt or créme fraîche.
Family-sized apple and berry crumble:
400-500g frozen or fresh "fruits of the forest" mixture, chopped plums, or all one berry
2 small apples, chopped
1.5 tbsp low-carb brown sugar
Zest of 1/2 orange plus a little juice
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
100g almond flour
1 tbsp sesame seeds
12 walnut halves, chopped
4 tbsp low-carb brown sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
Instruction: Proceed as above, but use in a 10 x 7 inch pan, or thereabouts.
Need it suitable for a soft food diet? Whiz up all of the crumble ingredients in a food processor or mini chopper to the desired texture. And serve with plenty of cream.