Blackberry Crumble

I recently was introduced to the book genre of culinary mysteries. They are light and fun reads that involve food and recipes into a mystery storyline. The first culinary mystery I ever read was Blackberry Crumble by Josi S. Kilpack. The book is set in Portland, which is why I was drawn to read it as we also used to live in the Pacific Northwest. My mouth was watering the entire time I read this book, and I couldn't wait to try this recipe. The berries were a nice mix of sweet and tart, the crumb topping was to die for, and the dessert as a whole was a perfect end to a Sunday dinner.

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Blackberry Crumble

Blackberry Crumble
by Josi S. Kilpack

Makes: 6 servings

6 c. fresh or frozen blackberries (or any kind of frozen berry)

2 Tbs. flour

3 Tbs. sugar

1/2 c. butter

1/2 c. flour

1/2 c. rolled oats

1/2 c. brown sugar

1/2 tsp. nutmeg

1/2 tsp. cinnamon

1/4 tsp. salt

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix berries, 2 Tbs. flour, and 3 Tbs. sugar together in large bowl. Spread in an 8x8 pan. In a large mixing bowl, combine remaining ingredients, adjust spices to taste. Use a pastry cutter to cut ingredients together until pea-sized crumbles form. Sprinkle over the top of the berry mixture. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes or until crumb topping is browned. Let cool slightly. Serve warm topped with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, if desired.

(Recipe notes adding a little lemon zest to the topping is also good.)