Spring out of winter crumble

 

Fancy title I know…when it’s just a rhubarb crumble, but its what this most traditional of British dishes represents that’s important here. Rhubarb has been ‘forced’ since the early 1800’s. It is a cultivation method to create more tender and earlier crops than its summer relative left to the elements. The plant is grown commercially in large dark, warm sheds and is still gathered today in Yorkshire by hand and by candlelight as any exposure to harsh light is said to stop the growth. I love Rhubarb and am so grateful when it comes into season here, as though its announcing the end of the winter drought on fresh produce. This recipe also uses an apple from the winter store, so it’s really hopping from winter to spring and what a way to do it!

Rhubarb can be used magically to increase willpower and reduce worry. Now I don’t know about the willpower bit but after a large portion of this my husband say’s you won’t have to worry about a thing…except maybe fitting in a little snooze! bb mandyxxx

 

Ingredients (serves 4)

 

12 stalks rhubarb washed and cut to 2’’ lengths.

4 Tbsp Apple juice.

8 Tbsp caster sugar

For the topping

110g Butter

110g caster sugar

180g Plain flour

1 apple cored and diced.

 

Method

 

Preheat the oven to 180’C/350’F

Place the rhubarb pieces into an ovenproof dish. Pour over the apple juice and sprinkle over the caster sugar.

In a bowl rub together the butter, flour and sugar with your fingertips until it resembles fine breadcrumbs.

Add the diced apple to the crumble mixture and stir to combine.

Sprinkle the crumble mix gently over the rhubarb until covered.

Bake in the oven for 45 minutes – 1 hour or until the top is golden.

Remove from the oven and serve hot or warm with cream or custard.

This recipe is my favourite but you can add  ginger, cinnamon and just about any other fruit, however, I have a bit of a soft spot for this simple version, it was one of the first things I learnt to cook at school and it’s like the old saying goes,’if it aint broke don’t fix it!