I finally used up the last of the windfall Bramley apples I was given yesterday. I made three pots of compote for darling daughter no 2 to take back to uni, and my favourite oaty apple crumble. I love crumble in any form, but it’s even nicer with half oats and half flour, or even all oats in the topping. Brown sugar is especially good in this I think, but you can use the white stuff if you prefer it.

Oaty apple crumble

2 lb (900g) cooking apples
3 dessertspoons water
1 oz 25g) brown sugar
1 tsp mixed spice
For the crumble:
4 oz (110g)flour
4 oz (110g) oats
4 oz brown sugar
3 oz (75g) soft butter or margarine

Peel and slice the apples and place in a pan with the water, sugar and all spice. cook gently until the apples are softened but still have a bit of crunch. Place in a pie dish or casserole. Whilst they cook, make the topping. It is so easy – just put the oats, flour and sugar in a large bowl and add the butter or marg in small chunks. Rub it in with your fingertips until it becomes well mixed up and crumbly. Place it on top of the apple and press down gently. Bake in a preheated oven at about 180 degrees, gas mark 4, for 45 minutes until golden. Eat with a large dollop of custard or ice cream.

This makes quite a thick topping – you can reduce the quantities to 3 oz/3oz/3oz and 2oz if you prefer it a bit lighter.

I have seen apples on sale for very little outside a few neighbours’ houses, but at this time of year you might be lucky to find them for free. You can make this oaty apple crumber with eating apples, but reduce the sugar by half.