Summer Simplicity ~ K.I.S.S. Blackberry Cobbler

     Phew...once again it has been a while since I have taken the opportunity to sit down and share some thoughts and ideas in this space. Time sure does get away quickly. Alas, we are now in the thick of summer and I have vowed to take some much needed pause in order to add a taste of my "I have to blog about this one" moments to the kitchen repertoire. So much change happening in life during this season for us. New jobs, new responsibilities, new goals, thrilling summer travels, etc. Anyone who follows me on one of the social media staples knows that my husband and I made a much anticipated move to Vashon Island in May, and are also probably sick of me posting about it ad nauseam...we will give a pause here to do a quick sigh and eye roll. :) Okay, we just cannot contain our joy as the trek to find a home out here was a long two year journey with many ups and downs. So happy to report that it has turned out to be even better than we had ever dreamed. Sidenote, for those who might wonder, "Why Vashon?", here is an article that just about sums it up: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/01/travel/vashon-island-near-seattle-a-rural-throwback.html?_r=1

 

     We digress...back to the food! One of the many lovely discoveries on our new little island abode is a feast of blackberries! Seriously, you can stop just about anywhere along the main drag or down a winding trail and stockpile an overflowing basket in minutes with this luscious treat. As one can only fill your morning fruit bowl or toss a lunch salad with so many blackberries, I went on one of my culinary missions for some enticing recipes to put these little berries to work for the good of all humankind. What I discovered is that the simple recipes seemed to be the most fun to make, as well as the most delectable. I am sharing my version of a blackberry cobbler, made with uncomplicated ingredients and minimal expertise needed. I have deemed it the 'K.I.S.S.', for Keep It Summer Simple. The finished product is a beautifully marbled wonder that results in a delightful way to satisfy your sweet tooth utilizing candy straight from Mother Nature. Stay tuned for some upcoming ideas about what to do with a plethora of plums. Until then...

Buon Appetito!

 

K.I.S.S. Blackberry Cobbler

 

 

Ingredients

 

2 cups sugar*

1/2 cup {1 stick} butter

3/4 cup flour

2 1/2 cups gently washed fresh blackberries

1/4 teaspoon salt

2 teaspoons baking powder

3/4 cup milk

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

 

*Makes for a very sweet concoction. If you like your cobbler with a bit of tartness, cutting the sugar content is certainly an option.

 

 

Directions

 

• Preheat oven to 325 degrees 
• Mix blackberries and one cup of the sugar together in a bowl and allow to sit for about 20-25 minutes. This process is called macerating and it brings the juices of the berries out so that they can be sweetened by the sugar.
• Put butter into a baking dish {you can use 9 x 13 for a thinner cobbler or 7 x 11 dish for a thicker cobbler}.
• Place the baking dish with butter into the preheated oven to melt. 
• While the butter is melting, combine remaining sugar, flour, baking powder, salt, milk and vanilla into a separate bowl. 
• Pull your baking dish with melted butter out and swirl the dish carefully to make sure that the butter evenly coats the bottom.
• Pour batter mixture over melted butter - DO NOT STIR. 
• Spoon blackberries on top of batter - DO NOT STIR.
• Bake at 325 degrees for about 45 minutes or until crust is a golden brown.
• Delicious served warm with a scoop of your favorite vanilla bean gelato or ice cream.