Wild Mushroom and Apple Crumble

Nova Scotian cuisine often embraces simple, rustic ingredients – and this crumble perfectly embodies that spirit. It’s a dish that evokes the misty hills and coastal air of the province, and it’s unbelievably delicious. The combination of wild mushrooms, tart apples, and a buttery crumble is pure comfort food.

Yields: 8-10 servings

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 30-40 minutes

1. Ingredients:
• 6 oz Wild Mushrooms (Chanterelles, Morels, or a mix – don’t worry about perfect identification!)
• 2 lbs Apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well) – peeled, cored, and diced
• 1/2 cup Rolled Oats
• 1/2 cup Brown Sugar (or Maple Syrup for a richer flavour)
• 1/4 cup Butter, softened
• 1 tsp Paprika (for a subtle warmth and colour)
• 1/2 tsp Cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp Nutmeg
• Pinch of Salt
• 1/4 cup Chopped Walnuts or Pecans (optional, for topping)
2. Instructions:
• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Grease an 8-inch square baking dish.
• In a large bowl, combine the diced apples, rolled oats, brown sugar, butter, paprika, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix well to create a thick mixture.
• In a separate bowl, combine the wild mushrooms. Gently toss them with the apple mixture.
• Pour the apple mixture into the prepared baking dish.
• Sprinkle the mushrooms evenly over the apples.
• Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the crumble is golden brown. Check for doneness with a knife – it should slide in easily.
• Let cool slightly before serving. Serve warm, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream (a must in Nova Scotia!).

Notes: If you can't find wild mushrooms, cremini or shiitake mushrooms will work beautifully. Don’t overcook the mushrooms – they should still have a slight bite. A sprinkle of fresh thyme is a lovely addition, but not essential.

Regional Connection: This crumble is a perfect example of Nova Scotian rustic cooking – simple ingredients, careful preparation, and a deep connection to the land.