September: Apple Crumble

The approach of autumn and the month of September sees the peak of our harvest. September is probably the most abundant month in the vegetable garden. Summer crops, such as salads, tomatoes, courgettes, cucumbers and runner beans are still highly productive while autumn crops such as apples, pears, squash, leeks are ready for harvesting.

This month’s recipe presented itself in the form of a bucket of free apples outside a neighbour’s house. No one can resist free food! A fruit crumble can be made from any of the autumn fruits, blackberries and plums for example or a mixture of everything. The recipe here will make about four portions. Allow a handful of fruit per person and scale up the other ingredients if needed.

Serves 4 Preparation time 10 minutes Cooking time 25 minutes

Ingredients

• 4/5 large apples (you could use any autumn fruit, allow a handful per person)
• 120g plain flour
• 60g of sugar
• 80g cold butter
• Teaspoon of cinnamon or mixed spice
• Tablespoon of oats

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 180oC

1. Add the flour, butter and sugar and cinnamon to a bowl and rub them together until the mixture looks like sand.
2. Peel and the chop the apples, add to an ovenproof dish.
3. Tip the flour and butter mix over the apples and sprinkle over the oats.
4. Bake in the oven for about 25 minutes.
5. Serve with cream or custard for a delicious autumn treat.

You can print the written recipe HERE

You can print the photo recipe HERE

You can print the shopping list HERE 

What’s in Season in September?

Eating seasonally means enjoying food when its at its best. Look out for food that is grown and harvested

locally. Reducing food miles is great for the planet but also good for your health. It doesn’t have to be expensive. This apple crumble recipe could be very low cost if you spot anyone giving away windfall in your local area.

Vegetables that are good to harvest or buy in September: Beetroot, Cabbage, Calabrese, Cauliflower, Carrots, Celery, Chard, Courgettes and summer squash, Cucumbers, Fennel, French beans, Lettuce and other salad leaves, Potatoes, Peppers and chillies, Runner beans, Tomatoes, Spinach, Sweetcorn, Shallots, onion and garlic.