Plum Rosewater Crumble

While I don't often keep dessert or snack food in the house, I do love having the components for a homemade healthier treat at the ready. Case in point? Yesterday I thawed the last of the fig puree from last year's fig harvest and made whole wheat fig newtons. And throughout the summer, having this crumble topping meant I could whip up a fruit dessert in a flash. All I had to do was slice the fruit of the day to go under the topping. That's really what living a healthy balanced life is all about to me. It's home made and delicious. Efficient and easy. All it takes is a little time investment at the start to enjoy for many more dining sessions.

To kick off September, only days away, I knew I had to make something with summer plums. The plums in Virginia right now are amazing as we've experienced a mild season of temps in the 80's (vs the usual upper 90's and humid)! While the husband and I were very sad not to enjoy the plum harvest from the Grandparents' old vineyard this year (they just moved into a retirement community), we couldn't help but to console ourselves by stopping at the farmers market to stock up. That's right. Emotional produce shopping.

Rosewater Plum Crumble

/// Ingredients ///

• 4 T butter
• 1 C oats
• 1/4 C whole wheat flour
• 1/2 C brown sugar, packed
• 2 T flax seed, ground
• 1 t vanilla
• plums (about 4 medium)
• 1/2 teaspoon rosewater

/// Directions /// In a medium bowl, mix butter, oats, brown sugar, whole wheat flour and flax with a pastry cutter or with your hands, rubbing between your fingers. At this point you can freeze the topping in a ziplock for later, or prepare the crumble now. Add plums to a baking dish in slices and toss with 1/2 teaspoon rose water. Top with the crumble and bake at 350 for about 25 minutes or until the filling is bubbling and the top is golden brown. 

One of my favorite things about using plums is how amazing they are from a nutrition perspective! They have tons of fiber, but also antioxidants important for eye health. 

I know many of you are headed 'offline' and out of town to enjoy the last pool/beach weekends! Stay hydrated, wear sunscreen and enjoy!