Cherry-Chocolate-Pecan Crumble

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 375. In a medium bowl, stir together the first 6 ingredients until well combined. Cut in the chilled butter until the crumble is the consistency of slightly damp sand (fingers are fine here). Stir in the pecan pieces if using.

2. 2

   Place one of the pieces of chocolate in the bottom of a small oven-proof container (like a ramekin or custard bowl). Cover with cherry filling and top with the crumble mixture. If you so desire, you may sprinkle a bit more brown sugar and a teeny pinch of salt. Repeat until all your ramekins are filled. Bake for 20-30 minutes on a baking tray or until the delicious cherry filling starts to bubble up through the topping. Cool and enjoy.

3. 3

   Note: the proper filling-to-topping ratio has never adequately been established in existing literature. Traditionalists typically go with a 2/3 to 1/3 filling-topping breakdown or less. Being a non-apologetic crumble enthusiast, I am more likely to go with a half and half approach. But I have been know to be a rabble-rouser and a bit of a subversive. Let your conscience be your guide.

4. 4

   Heat cherries and water in a wide saute pan until boiling. Add lemon juice and sugar and boil gently, stirring and mooshing the cherries until the mixture thickens a bit (about 25-30 minutes). Cool slightly.

5. 5

   Whatever leftovers you have after making your crumbles should be used in the following: added to the bottom of a gin and tonic, poured over a brownie, poured over ice cream, mixed with seltzer and lime juice for a cherry-lime rickey.

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

No additional tips available.