Baking for Beginners: Apple and Pear Crumble

I'm really starting to look forward to autumn, especially as those nights start to draw in. Now you may think I've gone a wee bit mad but just stop and think for a moment about all the fab opportunities it presents for indulging in a bit of comfort food!

This Apple and Pear Crumble is a firm favourite of mine, what's more its pretty darn simple to make.

It also works as a great starting point to get you experimenting. Try adding a bit of cinnamon and some sultanas or why not substitute the pear with some your favourite soft fruit instead.

Apple & Pear Crumble (serves 4 - 6, depending on appetite!)

You will need:

For the filling

• 100ml water
• 225 g granulated sugar
• 30ml golden syrup
• 25g butter
• 500g apples (cooking apples are best)
• 400g pears

For the crumble

• 140g flour
• 140g butter
• 140g granulated sugar (or you can try demerara if you fancy)

Make It!

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F/180 degrees C/Gas Mark 4. Grease an ovenproof dish, I recommend something fairly deep so you can get a good layer of fruit. I usually use my good ol' Pyrex casserole dish but I have also made them in individual ramekin dishes too.

2. Pour the water and sugar for the filling in a pan and bring slowly to the boil. Reduce heat to simmer and add the golden syrup and butter, stirring constantly until combined. Add the apples and pears, stirring gently, and cook until just soft and then add the fruit to the ovenproof dish.

3. Add all your crumble ingredients into a mixing bowl and rub them together. Alternatively chuck them in your food processor and blend using the pulse button. Either way you will want them to resemble breadcrumbs when you are done.

6. Spoon the crumble mix evenly over the fruit and bake in the oven for 15 minutes. Serve with custard for ultimate comfort food!

Crumble image from Banalities' Flickr photostream.