I just have to share this recipe before it is too late! Blackberry season is upon us and nothing beats fresh blackberries with honey. My husband, John, thinks it is mandatory that it is topped with ice cream, of course!
I happened upon this recipe one day while perusing one of my favorite bee books, The Backyard Beekeeper's Honey Handbook, by Kim Flottum. His Berry Crunch recipe is perfect for our blackberry honey and the juicy berries our bees pollinate.
If you are like me, you don't have the time to bake a pie. Great pie baking takes practice, so I'll leave that to my mother-in-law. Blackberry Crunch is more like a crispy cobbler. It is super easy and oh-so delicious.
There are only six simple ingredients: blackberries, honey, flour, oats, brown sugar and coconut. While I have went on about fresh blackberries, you could easily use frozen ones or substitute raspberries if you prefer, I don't mind the seeds, but if you do, crush and strain the berries to remove them. I use our blackberry honey, obviously. However, a honey that is light in color and mild in flavor will work just as well.
So now that your mouth is watering...
Here is the recipe:
Blackberry Crunch
3 1/2 cups fresh blackberries
1 cup blackberry honey
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup shredded coconut
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a pie plate with baking spray. In a large bowl, blend the flour and the berries. Next, stir in the honey. Then pour into the pie plate. In a medium bowl, mix the final three ingredients. Sprinkle this on top of the berry mixture. Bake for 45-50 minutes, until topping has browned. Serves 6-8.
Even though I have mentioned enjoying this dessert during the summer blackberry season, I can imagine how great this warm, sweet creation wold taste on a cold, winter night. Mmmm.
I can't wait to try making it during our next camping trip. I can mix the crunch topping in a plastic bag before we leave home, find some fresh berries at a local farmers' market, and make it in my dutch oven on the coals of our campfire. I hope the smell drives the other campers crazy.