Michelle Darmody: How to bake the perfect blackberry crumble and the mistakes to avoid

Crumble is a dessert I never tire of for its simplicity

Blackberry crumble is the perfect warming end to a meal at this time of year

Picking blackberries is a wonderful time-honoured tradition in Ireland and the berries are just ripening on the branches, turning from hard red to a soft, deep purple. They can be used in many ways, both sweet and savoury, but I think they shine in a crumble.

Their inky, earthy taste adds a bit of bite and depth to the accompanying apples.