| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 40 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 280 | 12g | 7g | 41g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 27g | 3g | 3g | 0.21g |
One of the absolute joys of cooking, for me, is creating recipes that pay tribute to the bountiful produce of my beloved New England. The recipe I want to share with you today, the Salal Berry and Apple Crumble, exemplifies everything I adore about seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients. Growing up in Portland, Maine, my culinary journey was deeply influenced by the fresh fruits that would come into season. Nothing embodies this more than the combination of tart apples and luscious salal berries that make this crumble a true masterpiece.
Memories and Warmth
The first bite of this Salal Berry and Apple Crumble instantly transports me back to family gatherings in the crisp New England fall. The scent of cinnamon and apples baking in the oven always fills my kitchen with an aroma that my two daughters, Erin and Samantha, have come to know and love. Watching their eyes light up as they dig into a warm serving of crumble is a simple pleasure that I treasure beyond words.
Salal berries, if you’re unfamiliar, are native to the Pacific Northwest but grow superbly well in climates similar to that of Maine. They offer a unique twist to this classic recipe, thanks to their tangy, slightly sweet flavor that perfectly complements the tartness of the apples. This dessert couldn’t be simpler to make, yet it carries an air of sophistication that makes it suitable for both casual family dinners and more formal gatherings.
Health Benefits
While this dish is undoubtedly delicious, it’s also packed with health benefits. Salal berries are rich in antioxidants, which are known for their role in fighting free radicals and reducing inflammation. Apples, on the other hand, are a fantastic source of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and promotes heart health. Combining these fruits makes for a dessert that’s as nourishing as it is satisfying. And let’s not forget the wholesome goodness of rolled oats and the vitamin C boost from the fresh lemon and orange juices.
Perfect Pairings
If you enjoy this crumble, you might also love other fruit-based desserts like Berry Cobbler or even a classic Apple Pie. For a delightful twist, it pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream.
If you’re looking to complete a meal, consider pairing this crumble with main courses that balance its sweet and tart flavors. Dishes like Roast Pork or a seasoned Grilled Salmon would make for a truly mouth-watering combination.
You can find many of these ingredients right at your local farmers’ market, and I encourage you to use fresh, seasonal produce whenever possible. Not only does it enhance the flavor, but it also supports local farmers and sustainable practices.
Whether you’re making this dish for a special occasion or just want to bring a touch of New England charm to your dinner table, the Salal Berry and Apple Crumble is a recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups salal berries (fresh or frozen)
- 3 cups apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
Method
Step One
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Step Two
In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups salal berries, 3 cups peeled, cored, and sliced apples, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, and 1/4 cup orange juice. Toss until the fruit is well coated.
Step Three
In another bowl, mix together 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup rolled oats, 1/2 cup packed brown sugar, and 1/4 tsp salt.
Step Four
Add 1/2 cup cold, cubed unsalted butter to the dry mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, blend the butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
Step Five
Spread the fruit mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
Step Six
Sprinkle the crumble mixture evenly over the fruit layer.
Step Seven
Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the fruit is tender and bubbly.
Step Eight
Allow the crumble to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy it warm, possibly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream if desired.
