Apple and Blueberry Shortcake

 

 I had some apples and blueberries that I needed to use up asap. My veggie/fruit box will be delivered tomorrow and there are always apples in it in the winter.

 I had a punnet of blueberries in the fridge that were almost to their sell by date . . . I know I could freeze them . . . but with these frigid temps we are having right now, my deep freeze is frozen shut. (Most annoying! I have a ton of food in it and can't get in to use any of it!)

   

 Did you know that apples and blueberries go very well together??? They are actually a perfect fit! 

 Blueberries and blackberries are very similar in flavour and colour of course. Pairing blueberries with apples just makes sense. At least it does to me at any rate!

   

 Sweet, and tart . . . and just look at the beautiful colours . . . 

Is this pie???? Or is this cake???? Perhaps it is a Pie Cake???? Works for me!!

   

 This is a shortcake, but not as you know it . . . this is an apple and blueberry shortcake, and we just couldn't get enough of it. 

 In fact is sooooo delicious that I think I shall say to heck with the diet and have a piece for my breakfast this morning. Incredibly scrummily moreish!!

   

  *Apple and Blueberry Shortcake* 

Serves 8 to 10 

Printable Recipe 

 Not only is this beautiful to look at, but it's incredibly delicious!! The apples smell fantastic when they are cooking and will have everyone running in to the kitchen to see what you are up to! 

 4 large Granny Smith apples 

the finely grated zest of 1 lemon 

2 TBS water 

2 TBS sugar 

4 1/2 ounces butter 

1/2 cup caster sugar 

1 large egg 

1 1/2 cups flour 

1 tsp baking powder 

1 cup blueberries 

demerara sugar for sprinkling 

Whipped Cream to serve

   

 Peel the apples and core them. Cut each apple into 16 slices. 

 Put the apples, lemon zest, water and sugar into a saucepan. Cover and cook over low heat for 10 minutes. You want the apples to be softened, but not mushy. Set aside to cool. 

 Cream the butter and sugar together until fluffy and smooth. Beat in the egg, mixing it in well. 

 Sift together the flour and baking powder, then beat it into the creamed mixture, mixing it in well. 

 Turn out onto a lightly floured board and knead until smooth. Divide into two pieces. Shape each into a flat round disk. Wrap in cling film and then chill for 30 minutes. 

 Pre-heat the oven to 180*C/350*F. 

 Roll each disc of the dough into a round, approximately 8 1/2 inches in diameter. Press one round into an 8 inch round cake tin. (In order to make it easier to remove later, I butter the tin really well and then lay strips of parchment paper diagonally across the tin, with about a two inch overhand all around, some 6 strips, before I place the pastry inside.) 

Spread the apples over the dough, leaving about a half inch border all the way around. Sprinkle with the blueberries. Place the other round on top, pressing the edges together to seal. Brush with some water and sprinkle with the demerara sugar. 

 Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until nicely risen and lightly browned. Remove from the oven and allow to cook for 20 minutes before removing from the pan. Serve, cut into wedges with a dollop of whipped cream on top.