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Muddling Along, Summer Memories: Jumble Berry Crumble with Shortbread Topping

Yum
Muddling Along, 
Summer Memories
and
Jumble Berry Crumble 
with Shortbread Topping
 Friday 19th August 2011
Vendredi 19 Août 2011 ~ St Jean Eudes
 I am in a bit of a muddle today, it has been so busy that I need a holiday……..we have B and B guests here ~ really lovely people, so it was an early start; prepare breakfast, get the hens out, serve breakfast, clear away, hang towels and bath mats out, clean bedrooms, make our lunch, pop out to buy food for tonight’s meal including B and B guests too, prepare meal for seven people, cook it, set the tables, serve it, chat and have a wee drinky poo, clear it all away, load the dishwasher for load one, set the breakfast table up, put the hens away, unload dishwasher load one, load up dishwasher load two, chat and have another drinky poo, suddenly remember that I still have my washing on the line ~ drat……..and finally go completely and utterly barking mad! 
 
So, my post today will be short and sweet as I am completely bushed ~ but I will be back tomorrow with more ramblings and musings, plus I have a lots of new photos and recipes to upload and share. What I would like to share with you today is a recipe that is a FIRM favourite with all of my guests, friends and family, and, it is a wonderful end-of-berry-season recipe……a Summer crumble that will seduce you into the mellow, misty and fruity days of Autumn. A Jumble Berry Crumble with a Shortbread Topping, a recipe born of odds and ends of assorted berries lounging forlornly in my freezer, a bit of a muddle like me today. Serve this with cream or custard, or even a scoop or two of vanilla ice cream for a delicious ending to any gathering. Any berries will do, I have made a few suggestions below, the star of this crumble is the shortbread topping ~ a firm and buttery hat for a jumble of glistening berries…….
Jumble Berry Crumble 
with Shortbread Topping
Recipe:
This was a quick throw it together Sunday Lunch pudding idea – raid the freezer for all the nearly used bags of frozen summer fruits, such as cherries, raspberries, blackcurrants, redcurrants, bilberries (blueberries), blackberries and strawberries. Fling them all into an oven-proof gratin dish; whizz up a shortbread crumble topping – and Bob’s your uncle and Fanny’s your aunt, as we say down our way! We loved it, the combination of fruits was wonderful – and it is a great idea for using up whatever fruits you have lurking in your freezer. I am sure that fresh fruit would also be suitable. We like our fruits to be on the tart side – so pleased add sugar to taste. Serve the crumble with hot custard, cold custard, cream, ice cream, crème fraîche or whatever takes your fancy.
INGREDIENTS:
(Serves 6)
700g (1 lb 9ozs)  assorted frozen summer berries and fruit, or assorted fresh fruits and berries, such as:
blackberries, raspberries, blackcurrants, redcurrants, blueberries, bilberries, cherries and strawberries 
1 – 4 tablespoon sugar, to taste 
Topping:
225g (8ozs) plain flour
110g (4ozs) unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
75g (3ozs) caster sugar 
METHOD:
Pre-heat the oven to Gas mark 4, 350°F, 180°C.
You will also need a shallow oven-proof baking dish with a diameter of 9 inches (23 cm), 11/2 inches (4 cm) deep.
First, make the topping. All you do is place the sifted flour, butter and sugar in the processor and give it a whiz until it resembles crumbs. If you don’t have a processor, place the flour in a large mixing bowl, then add the butter and rub it into the flour lightly, using your fingertips. Then when it all looks crumbly, and the fat has been dispersed fairly evenly, add the sugar and combine that well with the rest of the ingredients.

Now arrange the mixed fruit in the dish and sprinkle over the sugar to taste, then add the crumble mixture, spreading it out all over the fruit with a fork and pressing down firmly. Place the crumble on a high shelf in the oven and bake it for 30 to 40 minutes until the top is golden and crisp. Serve with chilled pouring cream, custard, whipped cream, crème fraîche or vanilla ice cream.

 See you later, when I will be refreshed and calm……I am off to assume the lotus position and meditate.
Karen

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Comments

  1. La Table De Nana says

    You write so well!

    I can see the frenetic pace you had..
    It must be fun to have a B & B..

    Is there a link anywhere to your Inn Of Happiness?:)

    The crumble looks sinfully delicious..have a great weekend~

    Reply

  2. Inspired by eRecipeCards says

    YES… I WANT TO SEE YOUR B&B AS WELL… give the people what they want!!!

    I have zero talent at a consistent pie crust. I believe crumbles were invented just to cover my ineptness.

    Reply

  3. Heather says

    Oh, this looks so good. I know I say that every time, but its always true! I wish I were having that for breakfast this morning 🙂 it would be perfect, hehe! Hope you get some relaxation soon! Take some time to enjoy the day~

    Reply

  4. kitchen flavours says

    Your dessert looks so delicious! The fresh berries sounds really good baked with the topping!
    You have been busy! Hope this weekend will be an easier one, where time is on your side! 🙂

    Reply

  5. My Farmhouse Kitchen says

    oh karen…you are busy, my friend…this looks so delicious…. love letting the hens out…wish i was there for a drinky poo with you !!!!

    happy to stop by today..i always love it here

    sending love,
    kary and teddy
    xx

    Reply

  6. Mary says

    What a wonderful post. Your crumble looks delicious and is matched only by your stellar writing ability.
    I hope you have a great day. Blessings…Mary

    Reply

  10. Karen S Booth says

    Thanks Kitchen Flavours ~ for my sins, I have dinner guests tomorrow…..LOL! But Sunday will be my day of rest!
    Karen

    Reply

  15. Cathy at Wives with Knives says

    Hi Karen – Your posts are a delight to read and I can see you bustling around your home at top speed trying to get your day's work done. I would stop for an occasional wee drinky poo too. Love the shortbread crust you used on your wonderful crumble.

    Reply

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