I halved this recipe to make a smaller crumble as there are only two of us.
Verdict: Although it’s very nice, it makes about twice as much crumble as required! The apple doesn’t really take up the flavour of the star anise. I think I’d make the crumble again but I’d sprinkle it over small glass bowl of fruit fool instead.
I’ve been watching more TV dramas this year, mainly BBC ones. I watched The Village, which was good but quite bleak and The White Queen which started off well but didn’t quite hold my attention for the whole series.
My favourite so far has been What Remains, which concluded on Sunday. It’s a very atmospheric and disturbing thriller, totally complusive with a masterful cast. It’s had good reviews, including this Telegraph one but I agree more with this Guardian one, in particular the implausibility of whodunnit. However, that’s a very minor niggle; I thoroughly recommend this drama. It’s immersed me for a very intense, chilling and perplexing four hours.
I read this book on Saira’s recommendation and I’m glad I did. It definitely reads like a book for teenagers but it’s very good anyway, totally compulsive. It’s simply but well written. The story is science fiction: part Battle Royale, part Big Brother (Channel 4 versions). It throws up some interesting ideas that will get young people thinking. Overall, a very enjoyable package.