My Mum's Apple Crumble

In a world too easily sated with inferior confections, Mrs Jackman’s apple crumble is a titan among pygmies. Marcel Proust may have had his madeleines, James Joyce his Gorgonzola sandwich, but in the entirely disinterested view of her son, there is nothing to beat the crunchy-topped, sweetly aromatic magnificence of Mrs J’s Sunday best, as it makes its regal, steaming progress from oven to table. For the time being, the Icons team must take this on trust, as we have yet to receive a tasting sample, let alone an invitation to Sunday lunch at the Jackmans’. What we do recognise, though, is the timeless appeal of fine home cooking, hearty, nourishing and as reliable as Big Ben. The twin pillars of the majestic crumble are the fat, flour and sugar topping (varying schools of thought contend as to whether a food-processor, fork or fingers is best for mixing), and the pick of ripe fruit in season. Once baked together, the result is a dish that can wave any number of charlottes, strudels and soufflés dismissively aside. Long may it reign.

Photo: Topfoto.co.uk