Summertime… and the livin’ is easy.. at least that is what they say, right?! Well, having a garden or yard that’s producing fresh vegetables & fruit sure make living seem easier! There is nothing quite like being able to go out to the garden and get some fresh vegetables when they are needed!
Something that always makes me think of summer is fruit. Fresh fruit… grilled fruit… fruit cobblers… apple, peach, blueberry, strawberry-rhubarb pies… mmmm I just love anything to do with fruit! There is absolutely nothing like being able to pick fresh fruit right off the tree or bush and eat it. We currently have 2 peach trees, a fig tree and 3 blueberry bushes. We had a small pear tree last year but it got some weird disease and we had to pull it up.
If you are a mommy, this recipe is one that the kids will definitely have fun helping with. They can pour in the fruit and help crumble the topping over the top, which practically makes it for you!
This is such an easy and delicious recipe it is one that everyone should have on-hand because anyone can make it, and like I said, it’s easy and delicious! I decided to try using spelt flour this time (usually I use unbleached flour) and it turned out beautifully! It’s good to know this quick dessert is tasty using spelt flour for those times when you need to whip up something quick for an unexpected gluten-free guest**(see note). As long as you have some frozen fruit in the freezer (which we always do, since we are big smoothie makers over here) you should be able to throw this in the oven by the time it preheats.
** NOTE: Spelt flour is practically wheat free, which makes it a good substitute for people with a low intolerance for wheat, though some people with serious wheat allergies, such as those with celiac disease, are also allergic to spelt. In that case, you should try replacing the flour with a 100% gluten-free baking mix (most grocery stores carry a blend for general flour replacing). Please check if you are making these for someone who is gluten-free.
~Fruit Crisp~
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3/4 cup flour (unbleached all-purpose or spelt flour, both work well)
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3/4 cup raw sugar
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1/2 tsp salt
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about 4 cups frozen fruit (fresh fruit should also work fine)
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1 stick vegan butter (I like EarthBalance soy margarine)
If using fresh fruit, wash and cut any fruit you like and sprinkle it with lemon juice. Frozen fruit works great (no need for lemon juice) and that is usually what I use. Some good combinations I like are peach/blueberry or apple/pear.
1) Preheat oven to 375 F.
2) Combine the flour, sugar and salt. Using a knife, cut 1 stick ( = 1/2 cup) of cold soy margarine into bits and add it to the flour mixture, crumbling with fingers or fork until thoroughly mixed.
3) Pour the fruit into a square 8×8″ baking dish and sprinkle the topping over the top. Bake for about an hour, when crisp will be bubbling hot and golden. Let cool about 5-1o minutes. Enjoy hot or cold! (Try this with ice cream for a real treat!)
We grew these peaches in our backyard!
Crumble the topping on over the fruit…
After baking, let it cool at least 5 minutes!
Enjoy hot or cold!
Your Vegan Neighbor 