I met Grace via Twitter long before we actually met in person; eager to share, to assist, to help in any way, Grace is one of those people you want for your neighbor. And not just because of her genuine kindness but also because Grace is a master when it comes to making jaw-dropping Italian desserts.
The second to the youngest of nine children, Grace comes from a large Italian family steeped in both American and Italian culture – a home where ‘there’s always room for one more at the table.’ Food is to be shared and celebrated – a tradition and philosophy that her large family still enjoys.
Grace has mastered the art of Italian pastry and is an excellent teacher – I’ve always said that I’m not a true baker. What I’ve meant by that is I’m someone 
who learned to bake cookies following the recipe from the back of the yellow chocolate chip package. And I’ve pulled more than my fair share of the ‘tear here’ perforated tabs from the tops of boxed cake mixes, peeled aluminum seals from the edges on plastic cans of frosting – all of which were fine and good and my family enjoyed. But this is the book to reach for if you want learn the art of Italian pastries – including the ‘how-tos’ for making pastry cream, meringue, pastry dough and more – Grace makes it all feel easy.
I’ve recently discovered I can no longer tolerate gluten and was a bit nervous about how to bake from this book; but because all the measurements are listed both by cup and by weight, I can take these recipes and convert them into the gluten-free baking I now do – it’s exciting to look at these beautiful recipes and know that they are within my reach to create. 
Simple, using the freshest ingredients available and step-by-step directions that are easy to follow will provide the results of a real pastry chef.
I really do wish Grace were my neighbor – I might invite myself over for a latte and some pastry!
Summer is here. Berries are in season. I can’t think of anything better than a warm-from-the-oven berry crumble – with or without ice cream this one is a winner. Raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, black raspberries – whatever you like – mix them together and sprinkle with buttery chunks of oats and nuts. No crust to roll out and you probably already have everything on hand.
Summer at its best.
GLUTEN-FREE RASPBERRY, BLUEBERRY AND PISTACHIO-ALMOND CRUMBLE
Adapted from Grace’s Sweet Life
Serves 4
INGREDIENTS:
FOR THE CRUMBLE TOPPING:
- 1-1/4 cups (100g) rolled oats (I use 100% certified Gluten-Free)
- 1/3 cup (50g) walnuts
- 1/3 cup (40g) blanched almonds, coarsely chopped
- ½ cup (1000g) light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- pinch of salt
- 7 Tablespoons (100g) unsalted butter, room temperature cut into small bits
FOR THE FILLING:
- 2 cups (246g) raspberries
- 2 cups (296g) blueberries
- ½ cup (113g) superfine sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2/3 cup (160ml) orange juice (freshly squeezed is best – about 2 medium oranges)
- grated zest of 1 orange
- pinch of salt
- 2 Tablespoons (16g) all-purpose GF flour (we use this one)
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon sugar
TO FINISH:
- A dollop of vanilla ice cream or Sweetened Whipped Cream
METHOD:
FOR THE CRUMBLE TOPPING:
- In a small bowl, combine oats, pistachios, almonds, brown sugar, cinnamon and salt; mix to blend.
- Mash the butter pieces into the oat mixture using a fork or your fingertips until the butter is incorporated and the mixture is in chunks and pea-size pieces. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate.
FOR BERRY FILLING:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees
- Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper (helps keep overflow to a minimum cleanup!)
- Butter 4 (6-1/2 ounce) ramekins; place on baking sheet and set aside
- In a medium bowl, combine the berries, sugar and vanilla extract until combined taking care to not crush the berries
- Add orange juice, zest and salt; sift the gluten-free flour over the berry mixture and mix gently until combined
TO ASSEMBLE:
- Divide the filling evenly among the ramekins
- Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar over the filling; remove crumble from refrigerator and divide evenly between the individual ramekins
- Bake until juices start to bubble and the topping is crisp and golden brown – about 25-35 minutes
- Remove and place baking sheet on a wire rack to cool until warm
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or sweetened whipped cream
My mouth is watering! Especially since I just hit up the farmer’s market and my fridge is brimming w/berries
did someone say gluten-free? this looks so good to me right now.
A fine looking crumble. I love this!
Grace always tempts with so many delicious treats! This berry crumble looks fabulous. It’s such a shame that you or Grace are not my next door neighbors, otherwise I’d be knocking on your door right now looking for something like this for breakfast!
I completely missed that you are having issues with gluten. We’ll have to chat more about it later at BSP.
This crumble looks like the perfect summer treat. And what a wonderful bond you’ve made with Grace!
It looks and sounds delicious. Great way to use up summer berries.
I just love this. It is so summer, light, and the photos are airy and beautiful. One of my favorite things in life are good neighbors, so I totally understand you would want her as a neighbor. I would too! My neighbors give me fresh caught Pacific North West seafood, and I give them fresh pesto and baked goods. It works out pretty well:).
Summer at its finest!
Oh no, you can no longer tolerate gluten? How are you handling that?
If there’s a bright side, it’s that you seem to have no troubles baking the non-gluten stuff. Everything you write about is so beautifully put together. 🙂
Hope you’re having a magnificent summer! Saw you’re going to be at BSP. Wish I was there, too. 🙂
[K]