The best things in life are free - well almost!

Feeling the pinch at the supermarket? With food prices shooting up at the supermarket and now the added purchases of nappies, wipes, formula etc you may find that you're cutting back on some of life's little luxuries. Fear not though, it's Autumn (well almost) and help is just around the corner... or in the hedgerow.

The blackberries are beautifully ripe at the moment, so get picking* your free fare and get baking. Why not take some inspiration from the bakers on the Great British Bake Off (did anyone see those tarts this week?) or how about a classic blackberry crumble, which you can bake for virtually nothing? Food for the stomach and food for the soul!

Blackberry, Apple and Almond Crumble

Topping

7oz plain flour
1oz ground almonds
6oz butter
2oz caster sugar
Handful of toasted almond flakes to decorate

Filling

2lbs cooking apples
6oz caster sugar
juice of two lemons
12oz blackberries

Method

1. Preheat your oven to gas mark 6
2. Peel, core and chop up your apples
3. Place apples, blackberries, sugar and lemon juice into a pan and heat until apples begin to soften
4. Place the filling into an oven proof dish
5. Rub together the flour, ground almonds, butter and caster sugar until you have formed small breadcrumb consistency
6. Place on top of the filling mixture and scatter with the toasted almond flakes
7. Cook in the oven for 30 minutes

For an even cheaper version, leave out the ground almonds and almond flakes!

*Never pick anything unless you know what you're picking!

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