Basil-Blackberry Crumble

Yield: 4-6 servings

I first posted this recipe in 2010 and it remains a favorite. Bursting with summer, this recipe offers a delightful combination of berries, apples, basil, and balsamic vinegar. The basil and vinegar are unexpected in a fruit crumble – and so delicious. Enjoy it with whipped cream, ice cream, or straight up!

Ingredients:

• 2-3 (Golden Delicious) apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
• 2 pints blackberries
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 large handful fresh basil, chopped
• ~ 1/4 cup honey (or agave syrup), depending on the sweetness of your berries
• 5 tablespoons flour
• 3 heaping tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 stick cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces

Procedure:

1. Heat oven to 400 degrees. In a large mixing bowl, combine the apples, blackberries, balsamic vinegar, basil, and honey. Put the mixture into an oven-proof casserole dish and set aside.
2. For the crumble topping, put the flour, sugar, and butter in a small mixing bowl. Use your fingers to combine it all into a chunky, crumbly mixture.  Sprinkle the crumble topping on top of the fruit and bake for about 30 minutes or until golden and bubbly.

Source: Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barara Kingsolver