INTRODUCING THE CANDLE PROJECT WITH A SIDE OF APPLE CRUMBLE

This incredible initiative started by Gruhalakshmi Kumar and Jasmeet Thind coordinate youth volunteers, community members and schools to provide educational facilities to underprivileged children. Already off to a fabulous start, they're teaching around 55 children in Bombay and if the Bombay trials go well may soon be looking to expanding to other cities.

Personally I can't wait for the Delhi chapter to get going but people in Bombay don't need to wait! You can reach them on facebook or visit their website and figure out how to join in the effort. I'm sure they would appreciate contributions of time, money or even teaching supplies so drop them a line. If you can actually volunteer some of your time I'm sure you'll love working with these fun, driven, young people! *Comes with a Reluctant Chef guarantee*

Even if you're not going to do anything else, I recomend that you atleast follow them on facebook - the adorable snapshots of happy children in class (my favourites are the pictures of their art work) always cheer me up.

Congratulations to Lakshmi and Jasmeet for actually doing what the rest of us are always aimlessly gabbing about!

For The Candle Project, this unpretentious, unfussy crumble overflowing with crunchy oat and apple goodness:

 

Serves 6

Adapted from Good Food Magazine

 

What you’ll need:
 

6 apples

150 gm oats

150 gm flour

125 gm butter

70gm sugar

50 gm raisins

50 gm almonds (chopped)

4 tbsp honey

1 tsp cinnamon

 

How to:
 

1. Preheat oven to 180°C.

 

2. Peel and core the apples. Cut them into chunks and pop into a saucepan. Cook with half the sugar (you can even add some more cinnamon) – the apples should release juice but keep stirring so they don’t stick to the bottom of the pan.

 

3. When the apples get tender add the raisins and cook for a couple of more minutes. Add to your baking dish. This is going to smell amazing but try not to eat the cooked apples.

 

4. Melt the other half of the sugar, butter and honey in another pan. Take off the heat when you have a sauce.

 

5. Add the flour, oats, almonds and cinnamon to the butter and stir till you have a sticky crumbly mixture – use your hands if this is too unwieldy with a spoon.

 

6. Make an even layer of the flour on top of the cooked apples and bake for 30 to 40 minutes till the top is crisp and golden.