Fruit crumble may just be the world’s easiest dessert, and one of the yummiest! The only trick to making a great crumble topping is that the butter has to be cold. I still remember the best crumble I ever had – it was in a pub in a tiny fishing village on the east coast of Scotland. I don’t recall anything else about that meal, but I’ve never forgotten the plum crumble. You can use this crumble topping with any fruit, even canned or bottled in a pinch. I love stone fruit crumbles in summer when these juicy fruits are so abundant and delicious, and quince, pear, or apple crumble (see video below) in winter. Nectarines are especially quick as they don’t need to be peeled, and their red skin looks beautiful, especially if you use a mixture of yellow and white-fleshed fruit for contrast. I also sometimes just cook the crumble topping spread on a baking paper-lined tray and sprinkle it over ice cream. I like a vin santo with fruit desserts, and I especially enjoy the slightly bitter note of San Niccolo from Chianti producer Castellare.

Serves 6

Ingredients
  • 6 nectarines
  • 1½ cups plain flour
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • 125g cold butter, cubed
  • Vanilla ice cream or custard, for serving
Method
  1. Preheat oven to 180°C.
  2. Chop nectarines and place in oven-proof bowls or ramekins.
  3. Place flour, sugar and butter in a bowl and rub together with your fingers until it crumbles, squeezing the mixture a little so some of it clumps together.
  4. Crumble the mixture over the nectarine and bake for 25–30 minutes until crunchy and golden.
  5. Serve hot or warm with ice cream or custard.

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What Other Travellers Say

Andrea (Adelaide, SA, Aus)
Andrea (Adelaide, SA, Aus)
My trip to Switzerland was my second adventure with Roberta – my first was Emilia-Romagna and I’ve already booked my next one to Scotland. Roberta takes control of all the things I no longer want to decide. She plans the itinerary to such an amazing extent – the food choices and venues always showcase the region we’re in and never disappoint. The small group works extremely well, with enough downtime to do your own thing but beautifully combined with an itinerary which encompasses all the things you want to see and more.
Belinda (Balmain, NSW, Aus)
Belinda (Balmain, NSW, Aus)
I’ve been on three of Roberta’s food and wine tours so far and each one has been an amazing well-organised experience. From historic Rome and Pompeii to the spectacular Amalfi Coast, remarkable Venice and the charming villages of Switzerland, each tour offers something special. Then there’s the food in fabulous places where you can truly eat like a local. I highly recommend Roberta’s tours to anyone who wants to discover inspired travel through great food, wine and company. I’m already looking forward to the next one!
Neville (St Ives, NSW, Aus)
Neville (St Ives, NSW, Aus)
What made the trip exceptional was the opportunity to meet local winemakers, farmers, chefs and families who welcomed us with genuine warmth and hospitality. Excellent accommodation, outstanding food, superb wines, and every experience felt authentic and personal rather than tourist-focused. Roberta’s local connections and enthusiasm add an extra dimension. She was an outstanding host – her attention to detail, warmth, knowledge and genuine care for every guest made the experience unforgettable. She created a friendly, relaxed atmosphere that brought the whole group together and we returned home with wonderful memories, new friendships and a deep appreciation for Southern Italy and Rome.
Di (Manly, NSW, Aus)
Di (Manly, NSW, Aus)
Absolutely recommend Roberta’s Southern Italy tour! We’ve always been independent travellers so were a little apprehensive – by day 2 we knew we’d made a great decision! Roberta knows people and places far from the tourist trail so we visited wineries where we were always invited for lunch as well as wine-tasting, a family lemon grove high on the Amalfi Coast and a 3rd generation cheesemaker. We stayed in a stunning cave hotel in Matera and a gorgeous family hotel in Scala – and book-ended the tour with the vibrancy of Rome. So many highlights, such a brilliant experience. We will do another tour with Roberta.
Fiona (Blackheath, NSW, Aus)
Fiona (Blackheath, NSW, Aus)
Roberta creates wonderful bespoke small group tours with her incredible knowledge of food and wine and adds great accommodation and points of interest. It’s like travelling with your ‘besties’ – including one who’s done all the hard work researching and discovering the best and most interesting places to go, especially to eat and drink. Also factored in is time for you to do your own exploring and discover your own gems. I thoroughly enjoyed Roberta’s trip to the Veneto and Venice.
Karen (Bowral, NSW, Aus)
Karen (Bowral, NSW, Aus)
Our tour with Roberta through Emilia-Romagna was the highlight of the year. Good company, gorgeous palazzi and great food. What more could one ask for? Roberta's enthusiasm and knowledge made this a once in a lifetime experience through an extraordinary, diverse and very special region.
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