I love making a lush berry crumble as the finale to a special meal. It takes minutes to prepare and it can be served warm or cold with a light drizzle of coconut cream.

Be like to be creative and vary the final flavour and texture. There are 2 options: a combination of raw nuts such as almonds, pistachio, macadamia or hazelnut lightly spiced with cinnamon and sweetened with honey or fresh soft pitted dates OR wholesome oatmeal crumble that’s lightly scented with vanilla and cinnamon.

WHAT’S GOOD ABOUT IT:
Berries are low in calories and high in antioxidants which help to neutralise free radicals. Oats are a great source of soluble fiber that makes you feel fuller for longer. According to studies, beta-glucan fiber found in oats can regulate your appetite for up to 4 hours and help lower cholesterol. Cinnamon improves insulin’s efficiency, which helps regulate blood sugar levels. A Swedish study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition showed that inclusion of cinnamon in the diet lowered blood glucose levels. I’ve also used macadamia nut oil in this recipe which works as an anti-inflammatory and replaces traditional trans fats + margarines found in most store bought crumbles. Nuts such as almonds are full of protein that can help your body repair as well as support a healthy immune system.

Serves 8

FILLING:

• 500 g (3 cups) raspberries
  500 g (3 cups) strawberries
  500 g (3 cups) blueberries
  1 tablespoon honey
  1/2 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or extract
  1 portion CRUMBLE

Method:

1. Combine 150 g of raspberries and strawberries into blender
2.  Add honey and vanilla then blend until smooth. Taste sauce and adjust to your own palate of sweetness.
3. Combine sauce with remainder berries and spoon into serving dish or individual ramakins.
4. Scatter over your chosen crumble.
5. Bake until golden and enjoy.

HEALTH CRUNCH OATMEAL CRUMBLE
3/4 cup (85 g) rolled oats
1/4 cup (20 g) desiccated coconut
1/4 cup (30 g) almonds or walnuts (meal, flaked, chopped)
2 tablespoons macadamia nut oil or cold pressed coconut oil
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon vanilla bean extract or paste

• Combine oats, coconut and almonds into food processor or large mixing bowl.
  Add oil, honey and vanilla then mix until well combined – should look moist and fully coated in the honey and oil.
  Scatter over berries.
  Bake in oven at 160 C for 30 – 35 minutes or until golden.
  Serve warm and enjoy.

ALMOND CRUMBLE
80 g almonds (whole or meal)
80 g pistachio nut or walnuts
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
6 fresh pitted dates

• Combine almonds, pistachio, cinnamon and 6 dates into food processor.
  Process until crumble like consistency. If you don’t have a food processor you can chop finely by hand.
  Scatter crumble over berries

TO SERVE WARM: Bake in moderate 160 C oven for 20 – 30 minutes until golden and syrupy and serve with coconut cream.
TO SERVE COLD: Serve chilled without baking with your choice of lush coconut cream.

Courtsey: Teresa Cutter