A poor year for blackberries

Earlier this year my friend and I spotted what we thought would be a huge crop of blackberries (brambles).  Sadly they came to nothing and we can only assume that it was due to the very hot dry summer that we have enjoyed.  Kath's neighbour has a nice bramble crop in his garden and she brought me a small bag full today. I have cooked them with some  (more) of the windfall apples and we will have them with custard tonight... mmm free, fresh fruit... We are avoiding adding  crumble toppings and pastry as we are both hoping to lose a few pounds.