in times of need – summer fruit crisp

I promised myself that I would not complain about how insanely busy I’ve been since last week. I won’t complain that I’ve had absolutely zero time for this blog, and hardly any time to cook or bake anything. And I really won’t complain that by the time July is over, I will have been working for 21 days in a row. Without a day off. I am NOT complaining.

I will say, however, that I’ve had a serious-as-a-heart-attack craving for comfort food. Because I’ve needed comforting during this time that I’m not complaining about.

Over the weekend, I called my husband from work with an order a polite request for him to pick up some fresh fruit at the grocery store. He’s not a huge fan of cobblers and crisps and the such, but I am. So I made one. To satisfy ME.

Selfish, I know, but I really, really, really needed this dessert on Sunday.

Juicy cherries, fresh blueberries, a pint of plump blackberries, and a couple of ripe peaches made the filling of this summer fruit crisp just heavenly. The topping is always the best part of these kinds of desserts – whether they’re called crisps or cobblers or crumbles. Crunchy, buttery goodness serves as the ideal complement to the juicy fruit filling.

This was one super simple but incredibly satisfying dessert. I served it warm out of the oven with a scoop – or two – of vanilla ice cream, and like a big warm hug, it was just what I needed after a long working weekend.

Yield: Serves 6-8.

Summer Fruit Crisp

The measurements of the fruit are approximate. If you prefer to use 2 cups of blueberries and omit the cherries, go for it. Want more peaches? Have at it. Make this your own.

Ingredients:

Ingredients for Crisp

1 cup blueberries
2 cups blackberries
2 ripe peaches, peeled, pitted, and cut into 1 inch pieces
1 cup cherries, pitted (or frozen and thawed)
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon lemon zest

Ingredients for Topping

1 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup light brown sugar
1/4 cup slivered almonds, chopped coarsely
Pinch kosher salt
1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Combine the berries, cherries, and peach pieces with sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Place into a buttered shallow dish (such as a pie plate or casserole dish).

Prepare the topping: Combine oats, flour, light brown sugar, salt, chopped almonds, and salt in a bowl. Using a pastry blender or your fingers [and honestly, your fingers are your best tools here], work in the butter until combined. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the fruit mixture.

Bake at 350 degrees in the center of oven until the topping is golden brown and the fruit is bubbling, about 1 hour. Cool slightly and serve with vanilla ice cream.

Inspired by and adapted from this recipe from Parade Magazine, 2007.

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12 Responses to “in times of need – summer fruit crisp”

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    SMITH BITES — July 22, 2010 @ 9:18 am

    First off – NOT selfish to cook for yourself!! It’s important to nourish/love ourselves in the same way we’d do for others – and I’m pretty sure you’d bake a dessert like this one for a friend who was having a tough time. Second – IT’S GORGEOUS! And who wouldn’t want to eat this after long hours – I’d eat the whole thing all by myself (which is why I don’t bake often!) You’re doing fine!

  2. 2
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    Kath — July 22, 2010 @ 10:09 am

    Smith Bites is right–it’s not at all selfish! I love a good fruit crisp, and yours looks delicious! I like the combination of fruits that you used.

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    Melissa — July 22, 2010 @ 10:32 am

    Two words – YUM MY. I was there. I know 🙂

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    Gail — July 22, 2010 @ 11:45 am

    Warm fruit crisps like this are the most satisfying! Eat to your hearts’ content.

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    Joy — July 22, 2010 @ 12:14 pm

    I understand that need. It is just perfect for a hot summer day.

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    Magic of Spice — July 22, 2010 @ 1:29 pm

    Looks beautiful! I am glad you are able to create something that gives you comfort… Don’t burn yourself out…

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    Kate @ maître de moda — July 22, 2010 @ 7:27 pm

    just hearing the words ‘fruit’ and ‘crisp’ together makes my mouth water. oh, the crunchy topping is my favorite part.
    this looks amazing! thanks for sharing!

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    Reading this post made me realize that a fruit crisp is exactly what I need to alleviate my stress. Sometimes the only thing you can do is make something to feed your soul, no need to feel guilty about that!

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    Squeaky Gourmet — July 23, 2010 @ 7:52 am

    fruit crisps–YES!
    I love the posting, as I am reading and looking at the pics I am thinking “sounds good, sounds great” then you share the final picture with the ice cream with it and Oh man–it looks so–perfect!

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    Brian @ A Thought For Food — July 23, 2010 @ 1:05 pm

    Ahhhh… summer fruit crisp. So simple to make and yet so flavorful! You are not selfish at all for wanting to satisfy a food craving. I would have done the same thing… thankfully, I have a husband who loves a good crisp and would help me eat it.

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    Mardi@eatlivetravelwrite — July 26, 2010 @ 7:10 am

    Loving all the fresh fruit that’s available right now – perfect just to eat or make into a cobbler! Yours looks lovely – I am sure your hubby didn’t mind picking up fruit when you turn it into something like this!

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    Heather @ The Single Dish — July 26, 2010 @ 4:27 pm

    This is my favorite dessert!! Love it. Nothing better than crisp served warm with ice cream 🙂

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