I don’t know about you, but I have been noticing the subtle signs of Autumn sneaking in recently.
The ripening of blackberries, elderberries and hazelnuts seems to awaken a primeval instinct to gather them all in preparation for the colder weather ahead.
One of my favourite things to make with blackberries is blackberry stirabout – juicy blackberries in a sweet batter mixture, baked until firm and a little bit brown on the top. This, served with plenty of custard, is an early autumn treat not to be missed!
Recipe
- 115g Self-raising flour, pinch of salt
- 60g Margarine or butter
- 60g sugar
- 75 ml milk
- 2 cups or mugs of blackberries
- 1 egg, beaten.
Rub the margarine or butter into the flour and salt lightly with your fingertips, until it looks like breadcrumbs.
Add the remaining ingredients and mix to a thick batter – it will turn deliciously purple!
Pour into a lightly-greased dish and bake at 200 degrees (180 fan oven) for 20-30 mins. Check it is ready by pressing gently on the top. If it feels quite firm, it is done.
Serve with custard, or cream.
Next series of Forest Bathing walks
I am also now planning in my Autumn series of Forest Bathing Walks at Linacre Woods, near Chesterfield. These will start in September and finish in November, to be followed by the Winter series.
Keep your eyes peeled for details, and I hope to see you in the woods soon!
Holly
The Nature Coach 