Friday, August 29, 2008

Make Haste

Basil-Blackberry Crumble

I love basil.
I love blackberries.
So when I saw a recipe for Basil-Blackberry Crumble on The Bitten Word, I had to try it.

The recipe actually comes from Animal, Vegetable, Miracle. Originally a book by Barbara Kingsolver, this recipe can now be found on-line.

The recipe calls for:
Filling
2-3 apples, chopped **
2 pints of blackberries
2Tbsp Balsmic vinegar +
1 large handful of basil leaves, chopped
1/4 cup honey

Preheat oven to 400. Combine the above ingredients in an oven-proof casserole dish, mix and set aside.


Topping
5 Tbsp flour
3 heaping Tbsp brown sugar
1 stick cold butter *+*

Cut butter into flour and sugar, then rub with your fingers to make a chunky, crumbly mixture. Sprinke it over the top of the fruit, bake 30 minutes until golden and bubbly.

*
I used 2 Braeburn apples, mostly because that's what the store had in organic, and I thought I'd remembered they were good baked. I was right!! They baked to tender perfection, not too sweet and not too tart.

+ I forgot to add the vinegar. I may add it the next time I make this recipe and see how it tastes. But it was fabulous without it.

*+*I chose to use Earth Balance Organic Buttery Spread, original whipped, instead of the butter. I was a little concerned as to how this would work, but I really wanted something lower in fat and cholesterol. It worked wonderfully. I used my hands to mix the topping and I got a lovely crumbly texture:)

Before Jack Frost has his way, and the fresh summer delights of basil and blackberries are but a memory, I will make this recipe again!!



9 comments:

Diane ~ said...

Mmm boy that sounds good! the only dessert we're having tonight is jello!... sure wish you could send some our way!! :D

Turtle said...

i love all the ingredients but still wonder. basil in a "pie" ? Hmm, may have to try it!

Unknown said...

mmmmmmm..I need to give that a try this week....

jenfromRI said...

What a unique dessert! It sounds delicious.

inkberryblue said...

Mmmmm, sounds yummy. I love the idea of putting balsamic vinegar in.

Thank you for coming over to inkberryblue and saying nice things, by the way. I've really enjoyed looking through your blog. Your jewellery is really lovely and I wish I could knit as well as you can!

I hope you have a lovely Sunday. (Mine's just drawing to a close.)

Nora said...

That looks so good! Great photography! :D

Anonymous said...

OMG! Not fair!!!

Yummers...

~Lily

Missus Wookie said...

My dd has Animal Vegetable Miracle on her Christmas list already. We have Basil in our garden and blackberries are ripening.... you've tempted me!

Susan said...

I like all the ingredients so I may just give it a try although I would have never actually thought to combine them. And thanks for your nice comment on my blog!