At some point in the dark ages of education, before dinner ladies, children had to eat their lunch in silence at long scrubbed wooden tables under the reluctant guidance of a teacher who could not escape to the pub. One of these stalwarts, once told me that it was only the apple crumble that stopped him seeking work as a grave digger or an equally convivial occupation.
Ingredients (Serves 5)
2-3 medium-sized cooking apples (1 to 1.5 lb (500 to 750 gm))
4 oz (100 gm) Brown sugar
4 oz (100 gm) Self-raising flour
4 oz (100 gm) Soft margarine/butter
2 oz (50g) raisins or
sultanas as liked
1 Teaspoon of Cinnamon is a nice addition if liked.
Equipment
A deep 8-10 inch oven proof baking dish.
Method
Grease the dish well. Peel, core and chop the apples and arrange on the base of the bowl, add the raisins/sultanas, plus the cinnamon if included. Sprinkle half the sugar over the fruit, and cover with 2-3 tablespoonsful of water.
Now in a separate bowl rub together the flour and the margarine/butter, to make the "crumble". You are aiming for a firm consistency which is crummy in texture. Place this over the apples, and smooth over with a palate knife. Sprinkle the remaining sugar over the top, and bake in a slow-medium oven for 45-60 minutes, or until the "crumble" is a golden brown. (Gas Mark 3-5, 180-190 deg C, 350-375 deg F).
Comment
This is very pleasant served with cream, custard or ice-cream.
Page Created: 8th December 2000