Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Classic Summer Berry Crisp





I am not sure how things are in your neck of the woods, but here in Ohio, berries are in abundance.

Two years ago my mom gave me a great tip: buy (or pick!) berries in bulk and freeze them in containers. The berries freeze quickly and keep well. To thaw the berries, simply run them under warm water. The washing accomplishes to things: it cleans the berries before use and it quickly thaws them.

Since frozen berries aren't as firm as fresh berries, they are perfect for use in a crisp or cobbler. This recipe is healthy and easy, and can use any combination of berries that you choose.

Classic Summer Berry Crisp


6 cups berries
3 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon corn starch
1-2 tablespoons lemon or lime juice
2/3 cup whole oats
1/2 cup flour (you can use whole wheat)
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/3 cup butter or Earth Balance, cut into small pieces
1/4 teaspoon salt

Combine the berries, sugar, corn starch and juice:




In a separate bowl, combine the remaining ingredients and mix with the back of a fork or pastry blender until the butter is well incorporated into the oat mixture:




Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Pour the berries into a deep dish pie pan or 9x9 glass dish, topping with the oat mixture:


Bake for 35-40 minutes. Remove from the oven when the berries are bubbly:



Can be served warm or at room temperature.

Serves 8.

Psst...this tastes even better with a scoop of ice cream on top.

Life is sweet,
SPC

4 comments:

JerseyBaby said...

Genius! It never occurred to me to freeze them "dirty" and wash them as part of the thaw process. And washing them before freezing them always makes them stick to one another despite trying to dry them first. Thanks!

LauraTornes said...

Great recipe! I've been freezing berries this way for years! My neighbor has blackberry bushes and I have the price/season of blueberries and raspberries down to a science. Thanks for another great recipe:)

Sweet Pea Chef said...

Thanks JB and Laura! Laura, I would love to hear your take on the science of getting the best price on berries!

Jennifer Jupp said...

Well, now I know what to do with some of those blackberries we picked today! :)