1. Homemade Berry Crumble

Berry crumble is a classic British dessert that’s easy to make, comforting, and perfect for using seasonal fruit. Whether you grow strawberries, blackberries, or apples in your garden or forage for wild berries in local hedgerows, this recipe makes the most of nature’s bounty.

Ingredients:

• 500g fresh or frozen berries (blackberries, raspberries, or a mix)
• 2 tbsp sugar (adjust depending on the sweetness of the fruit)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp cinnamon (optional)
• 100g plain flour
• 50g oats
• 75g butter
• 50g brown sugar

Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan) and lightly grease a baking dish.
2. In a bowl, mix the berries with sugar, lemon juice, and cinnamon. Pour into the dish.
3. For the crumble topping, rub the butter into the flour using your fingers until it forms a breadcrumb-like texture.
4. Stir in the oats and brown sugar.
5. Sprinkle the crumble mix evenly over the fruit.
6. Bake for 30–35 minutes until the topping is golden and the fruit is bubbling.
7. Serve warm with custard or yoghurt.

Tip: If you have spare fruit, freeze it in portions so you can enjoy this crumble all year round.

2. Apple and Mint Sorbet

Refreshing and light, this apple and mint sorbet is a great way to use up homegrown apples and fresh mint from the garden. It requires minimal ingredients and no fancy equipment—just a freezer and a blender.

Ingredients:

• 4 large apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
• 2 tbsp honey or sugar
• 150ml water
• Juice of 1 lemon
• A handful of fresh mint leaves

Method:

1. In a saucepan, combine apples, water, and sugar/honey. Simmer for 10–15 minutes until the apples soften.
2. Let the mixture cool slightly, then blend with the mint leaves and lemon juice until smooth.
3. Pour into a shallow container and freeze for 2–3 hours.
4. Once semi-frozen, stir or blend again to break up ice crystals, then return to the freezer for another hour.
5. Serve in scoops with a sprig of fresh mint.

Tip: If you don’t have fresh mint, dried mint or a splash of mint extract can also work.

3. Elderflower and Honey Panna Cotta

This delicate, floral dessert is simple yet elegant and makes use of foraged elderflowers. Elderflower blooms in late spring to early summer and can be found in hedgerows across the UK.

Ingredients:

• 300ml milk
• 200ml double cream
• 3 tbsp honey
• 3 large elderflower heads (shaken to remove insects)
• 2 gelatine leaves (or vegetarian alternative)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Method:

1. Soak the gelatine leaves in cold water for 5 minutes.
2. In a saucepan, heat the milk, cream, honey, and elderflowers gently, ensuring it doesn’t boil.
3. Remove from heat and strain to remove the elderflowers.
4. Stir in the vanilla extract and add the softened gelatine, mixing until dissolved.
5. Pour the mixture into ramekins or small glasses and chill for at least 4 hours.
6. Serve with a drizzle of honey or a few fresh berries.

Tip: If elderflowers aren’t in season, you can substitute them with a teaspoon of elderflower cordial.

Summary and Key Takeaways

• Berry crumble is a simple and versatile dessert that makes the most of homegrown or foraged berries.
• Apple and mint sorbet is a refreshing and easy-to-make frozen treat using garden apples.
• Elderflower and honey panna cotta is a delicate, floral dessert that utilises seasonal foraged elderflowers.
• Using natural, homegrown, or foraged ingredients helps cut costs while enhancing flavour and freshness.

These budget-friendly desserts allow carers to enjoy homemade treats using ingredients found in their own gardens or nearby hedgerows. By embracing seasonal and foraged produce, you can create delicious, low-cost desserts all year round. For more money-saving meal ideas, visit CarersCardUK.