Fruit Topping Recipes

EASY MIX-AND-MATCH FRUIT CRUMBLE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 375°F. Grease an 8-inch square baking dish or a 10-inch cast-iron skillet with cooking spray or butter.
• In a large bowl, toss together the fruit with the flour, sugar and lemon juice. (See Kelly's Notes for adjusting quantities.)
• Pour the fruit filling into the prepared baking dish and set it aside.
• In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, thyme, lemon zest and salt. Add the cubed butter, and using your fingers, work it into the flour mixture until moist clumps form.
• Sprinkle the crumble mixture evenly atop the fruit then place the baking dish atop a baking sheet.
• Bake the crumble for 35 to 40 minutes until the crumble topping is golden brown and the fruit is bubbling. Let it cool 5 minutes then serve topped with ice cream or whipped cream.
• Any variety or combination of fruit will work great in this recipe, such as strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, peaches, plums, etc.
• Adjust the amount of flour and lemon juice in the fruit filling depending on the juiciness and sweetness of the fruit. Fruits with more liquids (such as peaches) may require more flour, while tarter fruits (such as blackberries) may require less (or no) lemon juice.

EASY FRUIT COMPOTE

Steps:

• To prepare the fruit: If you're using fresh strawberries or peaches, cut them into thin slices. If you're using small berries like blueberries or raspberries, you can use them whole. If you're using frozen fruit, no need to defrost or slice them before using.
• In a medium saucepan, combine your fruit of choice, sweetener of choice and dash of salt. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally. This will take about 5 minutes for fresh fruit or 10 minutes for frozen fruit.
• Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium. If you're using chunky fruit or prefer a smoother consistency, mash the fruit with a potato masher or serving fork until it reaches your desired consistency. Continue simmering, stirring often, until the compote has condensed to about half of its original volume, about 5 minutes.
• Remove the compote from the heat. I'm generally satisfied with my compote at this point, but if the compote isn't sweet enough for your liking, you can stir in a more sweetener, to taste. If you'd like it to be more smooth, mash it some more.
• Let the compote cool for a few minutes before serving. Allow leftover compote to cool completely before covering and refrigerating for up to 10 days.

FRUIT CRISP TOPPING

Steps:

• In a large mixing bowl, mix the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. With a food processor, pastry blender or your fingers, work the butter into the flour mixture just until it comes together and large clumps form. Fold nuts into the mixture. Chill until ready to use.
• Cook's Note: Crisp topping can be refrigerated up to a week or frozen for up to 2 months.
• Fruit Crisp Variations:
• Strawberry-Rhubarb Crisp: Chop 2 pounds rhubarb into 1/2-inch thick slices. Combine with 1 pound quartered strawberries, 1/3 cup sugar and 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice. Allow mixture to macerate for 20 minutes before transferring to a baking dish and topping with crisp topping.
• Raspberry-Peach Crisp: Peel 5 large peaches and slice into wedges. Combine with 1 1/2 cups raspberries, 1 teaspoon fresh orange zest, and 1/3 cup sugar. Top the mixture with crisp topping.
• Cranberry-Pear Crisp: Peel, core, and dice 4 large pears. Combine with 1 cup cranberries, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, and 1/3 cup sugar. Top the mixture with crisp topping.

MY FAVOURITE SPONGE TOPPING FOR FRUIT.

Steps:

• Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
• Add eggs and then flour and baking powder which have been sifted together.
• Lastly mix in the milk to get a spreadable batter.
• Spread over hot fruit in an oven proof dish.
• Bake at 400'F/200'C for 30 minutes approximately or until risen and golden brown.
• Serve warm.

FRESH FRUIT WITH VARIOUS TOPPINGS FOR 2

Steps:

• Divide fruit between two dessert dishes, sprinkle snipped fresh mint on fruit if desired. Serve with one of the toppings below:.
• HONEY-YOGURT TOPPING.
• Mix 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 tablespoon honey and 1/2 cup unflavored yogurt or dairy sour cream.
• BROWN SUGAR-YOGURT TOPPING.
• Mix 1/4 cup unflavored yogurt or sour cream and 2 tablespoons brown sugar.
• LIMEADE-YOGURT TOPPING.
• Mix 2 tablespoons frozen limeade concentrate (thawed) and 1/4 cup pineapple yogurt.
• SPICE-YOGURT TOPPING.
• Mix 1/2 cup unflavored yogurt or sour cream, 1 tablespoon sugar, 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon and dash nutmeg.

BRANDIED FRUIT TOPPING

Steps:

• In a large saucepan combine raisins, mandarin oranges, prunes, sugar and water to cover. Simmer over medium heat until syrupy, about 10 minutes.
• Stir in peaches, pineapple and brandy. Store in refrigerator.

FRESH FRUIT TOPPING

Steps:

• In large mixing bowl, mix pudding, milk, and triple sec until thickened.
• Fold in whipped cream.
• Spoon over fresh fruit.