Autumn’s in full swing, which means one thing only: apples. The UK’s main apple harvesting month is October, which holds some cultural significance. All across the country, you can find apple harvesting festivals, such as Yorkshire’s East Riddleton Apple Festival. Likewise, with our renowned tradition of cider-making, it’s now that apples are harvested for this delicious beverage.

Idiom of the week: in full swing

This means that something is at its peak after some time of momentum. It’s a positive thing and could refer to an event, activity, or process now at its most successful and intense level. For example ‘the party is in full swing’ means it’s a lot of fun

With apples in mind, this week’s blog will cover Granny Smith apples, and more importantly, what to do with them. Granny Smiths are vibrant green in colour and a household favourite. Due to their sharp and sour flavour, they’re perfect for baking. As autumn prompts Brits to cosy up indoors, it’s the ideal time to introduce one of our favourite comfort foods: apple crumble.

This typical British dessert is the star of school cooking classes and pub menus alike. Below, is an easy-to-follow guide of how to make your very own crumble like a true Brit!

Apple Crumble Recipe

Ingredients

(serves 6 to 8 people)

For the filling:

• 6 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
• 100g golden caster sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)

For the crumble:

• 125g plain flour
• 100g golden caster sugar
• 115 g cold, unsalted butter
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• A pinch of salt

A pinch of salt is a common phrase you’ll hear in recipes. It means a tiny amount of salt that you can grab between your thumb and index finger. It shouldn’t be enough to actually taste the salt in the recipe.

Instructions

Step 1:

Preheat the oven to 190c or 170 fan/gas mark 5

Step 2:

In a large bowl, mix the sliced Granny Smith apples, with the sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice (if using). Transfer to a greased-proof baking tin (23 x 33 cm, 5cm deep). Flatten the mixture with your hands so it becomes a solid base for the crumble to sit on.

Step 3:

In another bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cinnamon, and pinch of salt and mix well together.

Step 4:

Slice the butter and add it to the bowl. Use your fingertips to rub it in until the mixture looks like breadcrumbs. Be sure to crumble any big bits. I warn you, this bit is messy!

Step 5:

Pour the mixture over the apples and spread out evenly, ensuring all apples are covered. Gently press the crumble with a fork so it holds together.

Step 6:

Bake for 35-50 mins until the crumble is golden brown and the apples are soft. Use a sharp knife to check. If the crumble starts to brown before the apples are cooked, cover with aluminium foil.

Step 7:

Leave to cool for 10 minutes before serving. For the full British experience, serve with warm custard (crema de inglesa) and a cup of tea.

Apple Crumble with a Twist

If you fancy some more variety to this traditional dessert, try:

• Adding sultanas or raisins to the apple mixture for extra sweetness and flavour

• Experimenting with spices like ginger, nutmeg, or perhaps a splash of vanilla extract.

• Mixing crushed or finely chopped nuts to the crumble, such as walnuts, pecans, and almonds.

• Using different types of apples like Honeycrisps Bramley apples.

• Trying different servings such as ice cream, whipped cream, or toffee sauce.

Cozy up and indulge

We hope you enjoy making and, of course, indulging in this autumn delight. As the weeks get colder, stay tuned for more comfort food classics to see us through the winter. And if you want to combine your love of baking and learning English, I highly recommend tuning into this year’s The Great British Bake Off. This wholesome competition show captures the best of Britishness and signals the arrival of autumn. Curl up on the sofa with your own crumble and enjoy!

Written by Marina McAleese, Tutor at The Harrogate International Academy