Gavin Thorn

Apple and Blackberry Crumble Recipe

My grandmother used to make the most fantastic apple and blackberry crumble. Sadly I don’t have her recipe but this one is as close as I’ve managed to get to it.

When you make it, don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know what you think. Better still snap a quick pic on your phone and share with me via facebook, twitter or instagram. I always enjoy seeing your creations.

Apple and Blackberry Crumble Ingredients

500g Bramley apples, peeled, cored and chopped
500g Fresh blackberries, washed
175ml water
2-3 tbsp granulated sugar

For the crumble topping…

175g plain flour
75g butter, cubed
40g granulated sugar

How to make apple and blackberry crumble

Preheat oven to 200°C, fan 180°C, gas mark 6.
Place the apples into a saucepan and add the water. Bring to the boil then cover and simmer gently for 5 minutes.
Drain the water and add the sugar and blackberries. Mix well then turn into an oven proof dish.
To make the crumble, sift the flour into a mixing bowl and add the butter. Mix together with your fingers until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs then stir in the granulated sugar.
Spread evenly over the apples and blackberries and back for 35 minutes or until the crumble is a light golden brown and the apples have cooked through.

Serving suggestions…

Serve with either double cream, custard or vanilla ice cream on the side.

Variations

Try different kinds of fruit to make an alternative dish. Pear and plum work well as do peach slices. Don’t be afraid to experiment.

If you have a favourite, leave a comment and let s know. We’d love to hear it 🙂

Bacon Brie and Grape Sandwich Recipe

I became addicted to a bacon brie and grape sandwich whilst on holiday in Cornwall. There was a cliff top cafe near to where we were staying and this was definitely my favourite item on the menu. A real door step, packed full of flavour and a very welcome reward after the 400 foot climb back up from the beach.

The secret to this recipe is really good, tasty bacon and to trim the excess fat before you start to cook it.

Bacon Brie and Grape Sandwich Ingredients

2 slices of whole grain bread
butter
2 rashers of back bacon
brie
grapes, halved
lettuce and sliced cucumber to garnish

How to make a bacon brie and grape sandwich

Gently shallow fry the bacon on both sides
until cooked.
Meanwhile, very lightly toast the bread until slightly crispy on the surface
Spread the butter on one side of each slice of bread
Lay the bacon on the buttered side of one slice then add slices of Brie and top with grapes and lettuce
Cover with the second slice and serve with lettuce and sliced cucumber on the side

If you really want to make me hungry, snap a quick pic of your bacon brie and grape sandwich on your phone and tweet me @HobSpotTweets – I’ll probably have to go and make one myself then!!!

BTW I’m always looking for great sandwich combos so if you have any suggestions, leave a comment below to tell me your favourites.

Beef Teriyaki with Noodles Recipe

As Japanese recipes go, beef teriyaki has to be one of my favourites. Very quick and simple to make, this dish is ready in a few minutes. Perfect if you’re pushed for time and want something tasty to eat rather than relying on ready meals and takeaways.

Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you get on if you make this recipe. I’d love to hear how it went, especially if this is your first time making it.

Beef Teriyaki Recipe Ingredients

2 tbsp toasted sesame oil
300g beef frying steak
100g baby corn
100g mangetout
1 carrot
300g egg noodles (straight to wok)
220g water chestnuts, drained
150ml teriyaki stir fry sauce

Serves 2

How to make beef teriyaki with noodles

Thinly slice the beef and chop the carrot into matchsticks.
Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in wok then add beef and stir fry for 2 minutes or until browned. Then set aside.
Add the remaining sesame oil to the wok and stir fry the baby corn, mangetout and chopped carrot for about 2-3 minutes.
Separate the noodles with your fingers then add the noodles to the wok, together with the water chestnuts, teriyaki sauce and a dash of water.
Return the beef to the wok and stir fry until piping hot.
Divide into bowls and serve

Serving Suggestion

Serve with prawn crackers and soy sauce.

I simply love this dish. It’s really tasty and quick to make. Share your pics with me on twitter @HobSpotTweets or instagram @HobSpot

Beans on Toast Recipe

Beans on toast is a timeless classic. I’ve posted this one just for fun really. Kids love it. It’s quick, very simple and very, very cheap too. Great for students too although beware of the side effects.

Beans on Toast Ingredients

One tin of Baked Beans
Four slices of bread

Serves: 1

How to make beans on toast

Toast the bread in the toaster until a delicious golden brown. Once done, arrange on a plate, open the tin of baked beans and pour liberally over the toast. Put plate with beans and toast into the microwave and cook on full power for about 2 minutes.

When done, sprinkle liberally with white pepper and grated cheese.

Yum.

Beans on Toast Variations

If you fancy something a little more “interesting” try experimenting by adding a few additional ingredients. e.g.

Chilli powder – gives an extra ‘kick’ and is great if you have a sore throat

Ketchup – for a thicker, richer sauce

Onion – adds a bit more texture and flavour to the beans

Beef stock – a cube of beef stock will add some kick to the flavour

The best way to add these extra ingredients is to cook the beans in a saucepan on the stove rather than in a microwave.

Don’t forget to share a pic if you make beans on toast. You’ll get extra points for creativity and style (just for fun, no prizes I’m afraid). You can tweet me @HobSpotTweets or instagram @HobSpot. Can’t wait to see them 🙂