Blackberry Picking for Blackberry Cobbler

Here along the Gulf Coast, it's blackberry time. So if you're like us and love a good blackberry cobbler, crêpe, pie, jam, preserve, or jelly, then it's time to put on your gloves and start picking. There's a long list of things you can make with blackberries, but I'm going to share a recipe for cobbler that will knock your socks off.

photograph by: Brandon McLeod

A lovely blackberry blossom.

photograph by: Brandon McLeod

Don't pick them too early!

What you need:
5 cups blackberries
1 cup or less (if you prefer) of sugar
1 stick of butter, unsalted, cut into tiny bits (plus some for greasing the pan)
1/2 cup flour (All-purpose, unbleached is preferred)
1/2 tsp baking powder
Smidgen of salt
1 egg
1/2 tsp vanilla extract

How to do it:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Mix the berries with half the sugar by tossing. Then spread the mixture in a greased 8-inch square or 9-inch round baking pan.

2. Combine the remaining dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, salt, and remaining sugar) in a food processor and pulse a couple of times (don't go crazy). Add the butter to the food processor and run it for about ten seconds, until everything is well blended. By hand, beat in egg and vanilla.

3. Dollop this mixture on fruit by the tablespoonful. Do not spread t. Bake until topping is golden yellow and just starting to brown (35 to 45 minutes). Serve immediately.

photograph by: Brandon McLeod

Sugared blackberries!

photograph by: Brandon McLeod

Batter!

photograph by: Brandon McLeod

Dollop!

photograph by: Brandon McLeod

Say "No!" to spreading!

photograph by: Brandon McLeod

Golden-brown goodness.

photograph by: Brandon McLeod

Try it with some delicious French Press coffee.

photograph by: Brandon McLeod

Yum....