There’s something magical about winter that draws us back into the kitchen. As the air cools and the days shorten, it’s the perfect time to embrace slow cooking, warm flavours, and the simple joy of sharing food with others. Whether you're hosting a relaxed dinner or snuggling up at home, nothing rounds out a chilly night quite like a comforting dessert.

For local dietitian, food photographer, and stylist Mandy [also known as Made By Mandy] winter is the season of cosy crumbles, steaming cups of tea, and nourishing recipes made with love. With a focus on connection, food freedom, and finding joy in the everyday, Mandy’s creations always strike the right balance between wholesome and indulgent.

Her Apple Crumble is a winter go-to: a nostalgic twist on the classic Aussie biscuit with layers of soft,spiced apples and a golden, crunchy oat topping. It’s a dessert that delivers big on flavour and even bigger on comfort, especially when topped with rich butterscotch sauce and a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream.

Mandy sources her ingredients locally, often making a trip down Jetty Road to pick up fresh produce from The Source Glenelg [located in Bayside Village] and rounding it off with artisan gelato from Bottega Gelateria, because winter deserves dessert too.

So if you’re looking for the ultimate crowd-pleaser this season, grab your apples and warm up theoven. Here’s Mandy’s much-loved recipe, ready to make your winter nights just that little bitsweeter.

Made By Mandy’s Anzac Apple Crumble

Serves 6-8

Ingredients

For the Apples:

6 Granny Smith or Golden Delicious apples, peeled, cored, and sliced

1 tsp mixed spice

2 tbsp brown sugar

2 tbsp butter

1 tbsp water

For the ANZAC Crumble:

120g butter

80-90g plain flour

2 tbsp brown sugar

125g rolled oats

60g desiccated coconut

1 tsp cinnamon

2 tbsp maple or golden syrup

1⁄2 tsp bicarb soda

2 tbsp boiling water

70g macadamias, roughly chopped

Pinch of salt

For the Butterscotch Sauce:

150g unsalted butter, cubed

250ml thickened cream

250g brown sugar

To Serve:

Vanilla ice cream

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 170°C and grease your preferred baking dish or oven-proof skillet. Place the

sliced apples in a microwave-safe bowl along with the mixed spice, brown sugar, butter and

water. Cover with plastic wrap and microwave for 3 minutes, or until tender.

2. For the crumble, melt the butter in a small microwave-safe bowl, then whisk in the maple

(or golden) syrup. Set aside. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, oats, coconut, macadamias,

cinnamon and salt. Pour the butter mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until well

combined. Sprinkle the crumble mixture over the apples and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until

golden brown.

Mandy recommends serving it hot from the oven with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of homemade butterscotch sauce. The mix of warm fruit, crisp crumble, and sweet creaminess is everything a winter dessert should be... nostalgic, satisfying, and made to share.

Whether you're entertaining or staying in, this Jetty Rd-inspired bake is the definition of winter comfort food. And the best part? You can pick up every ingredient while supporting your favourite local spots along Jetty Road, Glenelg.

Because when the weather cools down, the kitchen heats up.

@MadyBy.Mandy