It was a sweltering summer day. She told us to put on pants, long sleeve pullover shirts, high socks, and close-toed shoes. Then we walked in blaring sun carrying buckets and a cooler. We veered off the road and down a dirt path to a spot thick with brush. It was there where blackberries were waiting for us to pick. Our clothing kept ticks and chiggers from getting to our skin. We picked, sweated, laughed, and filled our buckets full. The memory of that day long ago popped into my mind when I was making this Mixed Berry Crisp.
The reason I baked the crisp was simple. I had a whole bunch of berries in the fridge. They were bought to use as a garnish for Buttermilk Tarts. It is a rare occasion either my husband or I will eat berries by themselves. I had to do something with them and baking a crisp seemed the tasty thing to do. Plus a crumbly topping is a good thing on any day.
I thought further about that berry picking day. The spot with thick brush is long gone. Most all the land around the neighborhood of my youth was developed. It seemed so strange to see as I drove by it not long ago. What is it about our childhood home we wish stays the same forever? At least we have our memories and sometimes photographs to keep those times alive in some way.
It is an ever changing world. I see growth all around. Embracing it is the only thing to do. At least it brings variety and new opportunity. I hope it will bring new restaurants and specialty food markets near my home. Only time will tell. Meanwhile I got to enjoy a mixed berry crisp as summer rolled in once again.
Do you have any fond berry picking memories? Did you have to protect yourself from insects and watch for snakes? Oh yea, I forgot to mention how we had to keep an eye out for snakes that day. They like all those bugs and critters coming for the berries too. Luckily we didn’t see one and our berry picking adventure went along without a hitch.
Mixed Berry Crisp
Ingredients
For the berry mixture:
- 6 cups assorted fresh berries
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
For the topping:
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter
Instructions
For the berry mixture:
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Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly butter a 2-quart baking dish.
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Gently stir together berries, sugar, flour, cinnamon, and lemon juice in a large bowl. Place berry mixture in baking dish and spread out evenly.
For the topping:
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Whisk together oats, flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
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Use a pastry blender to cut butter into mixture until it resembles a coarse meal.
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Sprinkle topping over berries. Note this will make a thick crisp topping. Use less if desired and save any remaining to use for another purpose (keep chilled or freeze).
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Place baking dish on a baking sheet. Bake until fruit is bubbling and topping is golden brown, about 1 hour.
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Cool crisp slightly (about 15 minutes) prior to serving.
Recipe Notes
This mixed berry crisp is made with an assortment of fresh berries and has a crumbly, crisp topping. It's a summery dessert to make for family and friends.
Recipe adapted from Summer Berry Crisp on the Epicurious website.
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Gaila says
Oh Renee! this crisp looks so comforting and soothing! thanks for sharing this recipe!
Cali @ Cali's Cuisine says
This crisp looks absolutely amazing!
You have reminded me of all my berry picking experiences. I grew up on a farm in the Midwest (chiggers galore!) and we had a small gooseberry patch. I was always worried about snakes, not bugs! My grandmother was in Maryland and had a raspberry patch. She was in an urban area, so no snakes to be concerned about – and no chiggers either! Now I am in California and have gone berry picking in the foothills only once. The ‘Warning: Watch for Rattlesnake’ signs keep me away. I will be getting my berries from the farmer’s market!
Paula @ Vintage Kitchen says
I never picked berries that I remember, but man do I LOVE eating them! And crisps are always a great idea. There’s something about the mix that is sensational. It looks divine Renee! Gorgeous!