F is for Feijoa

I love this time of year - the beginning of winter! I am the sort of person who can't stand the heat, I much prefer the colder months, plus there are so many cute scarves and jackets around to keep you cozy, and it's not quite too cold to stop biking to work yet... and its also FEIJOA season! These are one of my favorite fruit, originally from South America and also known as a pineapple guava, they are a very unique flavor. They used to be easy to get your hands on in New Zealand, but over here in Melbourne its a little more difficult, but I have managed to track down a tree on my block which i raid on a regular basis once the fruit is ready (I swear the guy who owns the tree doesn't even know it exists, I have been swiping them for the last 3 years), I have also come across them at a few fruit and vege markets a couple of times for ridiculous prices, although St Andrews market had them for $4 a kilo, and you could buy your own tree for $10.

My favorite ways of eating feijoas include smoothies with banana, on porridge with a dash of plain yogurt, or straight up. Award winning New Zealand company 42 Below vodka also has a feijoa flavored version which is delicious with Chi and apple juice. And of course, for dessert in a crumble with some apple - YUMMM! The one I made today turned out perfect, it is sitting on the bench looking at me telling me to eat more as I am writing this but I cannot fit another bite!

Feijoa and Apple Crumble

1kg feijoas
3 red apples
250ml water
50g caster sugar
25g brown sugar
25g dessicated coconut
75g rolled oats
120g flour
150g butter (room temperature)

Preheat oven to 180degs. Scoop out feijoa pulp, and peel and slice apples. Add with water to a saucepan and bring to the boil, then simmer uncovered until the fruit softens. While this is happening, add the remaining ingredients to the Thermomix and set dial to closed lid, the set on the kneading function for 1 minute. Don't overmix the topping. Pour fruit into oven dish and top with crumble. Bake for 30 mins at 180degs. Serve with vanilla ice cream or yogurt or cream on a cold winters day or night - surely its an acceptable breakfast, its oats and fruit right?!