The French are masters of the simple art of using fruit and berries with or without a crust or a base and they are brave and experimental in what else they use with it to add flavour.

I love the combination of vanilla, French apple brandy, honey and just about any citrus flavour in a baked fruit compote, bake or tart.

Tart really is too fancy a word for what is served regularly in country homes in France — actually, more often than not, it's little more than a crumble or a light batter, not so much for the flavour, but for looks and texture.

To serve 4-6 portions of mixed berry bake you need:

Ingredients:

• 600g of mixed berries (fresh or frozen), or you can use just one type of berry and add a few slices of your favourite fruit


• 1 tot of Calvados (apple brandy) or good old local brandy


• 2 teaspoons of honey


• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract


• 1 small tin of granadilla pulp


• 2 tablespoons brown sugar

Instructions:

In a mixing bowl mix the brandy, honey, vanilla extract and granadilla pulp well, then add the fruit ad mix lightly. Pour the fruit mixture into a shallow greased dish.

In a separate mixing bowl mix the batter for which you need:

Instructions:

Whisk all the ingredients until smooth, then pour over the fruit. Sprinkle the dish with the two tablespoons of brown sugar. Bake at 200°C for about 30 minutes or until nicely set and coloured. This dish must be served piping hot, straight from the oven to the table.