Camp Oven Pear and Cinnamon Crumble

Camp Oven Pear and Cinnamon Crumble

The camp oven pear and cinnamon crumble is a delightful dessert that combines the natural sweetness of pears with the warm, aromatic spice of cinnamon, all topped with a delectable, golden crumble. This article explores the history and origins of fruit crumbles, their cultural significance, and how the use of a camp oven enhances this comforting dish, making it a perfect choice for outdoor culinary gatherings in Australia.

The Origins: A Sweet History of Fruit Crumbles

Fruit crumbles have a rich history that reflects their origins in European cuisine, where they have long been cherished for their simplicity and comforting flavours.

• Historical Roots: The concept of covering fruit with a crumbly topping and baking it dates back to the early 20th century in Britain. During World War II, traditional pie crusts were replaced with crumbles due to rationing, leading to the creation of this beloved dessert.
• Cultural Adaptation: Crumbles quickly became popular, spreading across Europe and eventually reaching other parts of the world, including Australia. Over time, variations emerged using different fruits and spices.
• Enduring Appeal: The simplicity and versatility of crumbles have contributed to their enduring popularity. They can be easily adapted to incorporate seasonal fruits and various spices, providing a delightful comfort dish for all occasions.

**Example:** The widespread appeal of fruit crumbles highlights their versatility and comfort, making them a cherished addition to desserts across various cultures and regions.

Camp Ovens: Ideal for Baking Crumbles in the Bush

The camp oven, or Dutch oven, is an excellent tool for baking crumbles outdoors. Its design and versatility make it perfect for achieving a perfectly baked crumble with a tender fruit filling.

• Even Heat Distribution: Cast iron camp ovens provide even heat distribution, ensuring that the crumble topping becomes golden and crunchy while the fruit filling remains tender and juicy.
• Durability and Versatility: The robust construction of camp ovens allows for various cooking methods, including baking and roasting, making them ideal for the rugged conditions of bush cooking.
• Enhanced Flavours: Baking a pear and cinnamon crumble in a camp oven over an open fire can impart a subtle, smoky flavour to the dish, enhancing its overall taste and adding a rustic charm.

**Example:** Using a camp oven to prepare pear and cinnamon crumble allows outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy a flavourful, freshly baked dessert while embracing the authenticity and charm of bush cooking techniques.

Key Components: Pears, Cinnamon, and Crumble Topping

The combination of ripe pears, spicy cinnamon, and a crunchy crumble topping creates a harmonious blend of flavours and textures.

• Pears: Ripe pears serve as the base of this dessert, offering a natural sweetness and juicy texture. As the pears bake, they become tender, creating a luscious filling.
• Cinnamon: Cinnamon is a warm, aromatic spice that complements the sweetness of pears, adding depth and complexity to the dish.
• Crumble Topping: The classic crumble topping is made from flour, butter, and sugar, combined to create a delightful contrast between the crunchy topping and the soft fruit filling.

**Example:** The interplay of sweet pears, aromatic cinnamon, and a crunchy crumble topping results in a dessert that is both flavourful and comforting, making it an ideal choice for outdoor dining.

A Dish that Celebrates Tradition and Outdoor Cooking

The camp oven pear and cinnamon crumble is more than just a dessert; it is a celebration of culinary traditions and the joys of outdoor cooking. This dish embodies both heritage and creativity, making it a cherished choice for gatherings in nature.

• Community and Connection: Preparing and sharing a crumble in an outdoor setting fosters a sense of community, bringing people together to enjoy a delicious dessert amidst the beauty of nature.
• Cultural Significance: This dish represents the fusion of traditional dessert techniques with Australian bush cooking, reflecting the diverse and dynamic nature of Australian cuisine.
• Tradition and Creativity: By incorporating familiar ingredients into a camp oven setting, cooks can celebrate the flavours of contemporary ingredients while honouring the simplicity and resourcefulness of traditional baking methods.

**Example:** Enjoying a camp oven pear and cinnamon crumble outdoors allows people to reconnect with traditional cooking methods while savouring a delightful, freshly baked dessert.

Camp Oven Pear and Cinnamon Crumble

Camp Oven Pear and Cinnamon Crumble is a delightful and warming dessert, perfect for enjoying around a campfire. The combination of tender pears and fragrant cinnamon topped with a crispy crumble makes for a comforting treat.

Ingredients

Pear Filling

• 6 ripe pears, peeled, cored, and sliced
• 1/4 cup (50 grams) sugar
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract

Crumble Topping

• 1 cup (150 grams) plain flour
• 1/2 cup (100 grams) brown sugar
• 1/2 cup (113 grams / 4 oz) unsalted butter, chilled and diced
• 1/2 cup (50 grams) rolled oats
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) ground cinnamon

Equipment

• Camp oven (Dutch oven), approximately 4.5 litres (5 quarts)
• Mixing bowls
• Wooden spoon or spatula for mixing
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Baking paper
• Heat-resistant tongs
• Fire gloves

Instructions

1. Preparing the Campfire

• Set up your campfire or portable gas burner. Ensure you have enough coals or a steady flame to maintain consistent heat.
• Place the camp oven over medium heat to preheat for about 10 minutes with the lid on.

2. Preparing the Pear Filling

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced pears, sugar, ground cinnamon, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
• Mix well to coat the pears evenly with the flavours.
• Set aside to allow the flavours to meld while you prepare the crumble topping.

3. Preparing the Crumble Topping

• In another bowl, combine the plain flour, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon.
• Add the diced butter to the mixture, and use your fingertips to rub it into the dry ingredients until it resembles coarse crumbs.
• Stir in the rolled oats to evenly distribute them throughout the crumble mixture.

4. Assembling the Crumble

• Carefully remove the preheated camp oven from the heat using heat-resistant tongs and fire gloves.
• Line the bottom of the camp oven with baking paper to prevent sticking.
• Spread the prepared pear filling evenly across the bottom of the camp oven.
• Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the pears, ensuring complete coverage.

5. Baking the Crumble

• Cover the camp oven with its lid and position it back over the campfire or gas burner.
• Arrange hot coals on top of the lid to create an oven-like environment, ensuring even cooking.
• Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the crumble topping is golden brown and the pears are tender.
• If the top of the crumble is browning too quickly, shield it with a piece of aluminium foil to prevent burning.

6. Serving

• Once cooked, carefully remove the camp oven from the heat using heat-resistant tongs and fire gloves.
• Allow the pear and cinnamon crumble to cool slightly before serving.
• Serve warm, optionally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of cream for extra indulgence.