Berries and apples are my favorite fruit combination in crumbles and cobblers. I try to have blueberries and cranberries as often as possible for their powerful antioxidant goodness. Here’s a way to enjoy a sweet, delectable crumble, minus the thirty-minute baking time usually required. The twist here is that it’s made on the stovetop rather than baked in the oven.

　　

Ingredients

6 servings

　　4 large crisp, sweet apples

　　2 tablespoons nonhydrogenated margarine

　　2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries or cranberries, completely thawed

　　2 to 3 tablespoons maple syrup or agave nectar

　　1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

　　1 tablespoon cornstarch

　　1 cup muesli or granola

　　1 tablespoon natural granulated sugar

　　Vanilla frozen nondairy dessert, optional

　　

Step 1

Peel the apples and cut into fairly thin (about 1/4-inch) slices

　　

Step 2

Heat the margarine in a medium skillet. Add the apples. Sauté, stirring frequently, until they have softened but still hold their shape, about 4 minutes.

　　

Step 3

Add the berries, maple syrup to taste, and cinnamon, and cook until the berries have started to burst and the apples are just tender, 3 to 4 minutes longer.

　　

Step 4

In a small container, combine the cornstarch with just enough cold water to dissolve smoothly. Stir it into the skillet. Cook briefly, just until the liquid in the skillet is thickened, then remove from the heat.

　　

Step 5

Heat a smaller skillet. Add the muesli and sugar and toast over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture turns a shade darker and smells nutty, 4 to 5 minutes. Sprinkle evenly over the surface of the fruit.

　　

Step 6

Allow the crumble to cool in the pan for a few minutes, then serve in small bowls. If desired, top each serving with a dollop of frozen dessert.

　　

nutrition information

Step 7

Calories: 242

　　

Step 8

Total Fat: 5g

　　

Step 9

Protein: 2g

　　

Step 10

Carbohydrates: 50g

　　

Step 11

Fiber: 5g

　　

Step 12

Sodium: 75mg

　　Reprinted with permission from Vegan Express: Featuring 160 Recipes for Quick, Delicious, and Healthy Meals by Nava Atlas. Copyright © 2008 by Nava Atlas. Excerpted by permission of Broadway, a division of Random House, Inc. All rights reserved.Nava Atlas is the author of nine cookbooks, including The Vegetarian Family Cookbook, The Vegetarian 5-Ingredient Gourmet, and Vegetarian Soups for All Seasons. She lives in the Hudson Valley region of New York with her husband and two teenage sons (all vegans).