RASPBERRY BLACKBERRY CRISP: DOO DOO DOO LOOKIN' OUT MY BACK DOOR

RASPBERRY BLACKBERRY CRISP: DOO DOO DOO LOOKIN’ OUT MY BACK DOOR

Saturday, June 25, 2011

An old fashioned berry crisp is one of my favorite spoils of summer. Easy to make, crisps are the kind of laid-back unpretentious dessert best enjoyed on a back porch or in a hammock.

A crisp is simply a layer of fresh fruit with a concoction of brown sugar, cinnamon, oatmeal and butter sprinkled on top. It can be prepped and placed in the oven in about ten minutes. In our case, it was the perfect ending to grilled burgers and hot dogs with friends. We served it, still warm, with vanilla ice cream on top. As the ice cream melted, we pondered which tasted better; a cold bite of ice cream with warm crisp, or melted ice cream mixed with the warm berries.

The answer is inconsequential. The point is that you should fill your summer with such moments. Seize the day. Cook a meal for your family and friends. Forget everything else….just for a little while….and enjoy life.

Bother me tomorrow, today I’ll buy no sorrow.

Doo, doo, doo, lookin’ out my back door.

Creedence Clearwater Revival

3 1/2 cups fresh blackberries, gently rinsed and air dried

3 1/2 cups fresh raspberries, gently rinsed and air dried

2 Tbsp sugar

1 1/2 tsp lemon zest

3/4 cup flour

3/4 cup firmly packed light brown sugar

3/4 cup old fashioned rolled oats (not instant)

3/4 tsp cinnamon

8 Tbsp unsalted butter, cut into pieces

1. PREP THE BERRIES: Preheat oven to 350 and lightly butter a baking dish. The dish should be large enough to fit all of the berries. The size and shape are not important, but I prefer a medium-thick layer of berries and topping (about a 10 inch long rectangle). In a large mixing bowl, gently toss the raspberries and blackberries with the sugar and lemon zest. Pour this mixture into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly.

2. MAKE THE TOPPING: In a medium size bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, oats, and cinnamon. Using your hands, mix in the pieces of butter until the mixture is crumbly. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the berries.

3. BAKE AND SERVE: Bake crisp until the top is browned and crisp, 35-40 minutes. Let it cool 5-10 minutes. Serve warm with scoops of vanilla ice cream on top.