Fruit Cobbler [Recipe]

In American English, a "cobbler" is a dessert that consists of stewed fruit (or a compote) covered with a very light crust with a soft consistency. Any fruits or berries may be used: apples, peaches, pears, blueberries, blackberries, pineapple, apricot, etc. — either singly, or in combination. The dessert is usually called by the name of the fruit that is used: Peach Cobbler, Apple Cobbler, etc.

The fruit is usually cooked first in a saucepan on the stove in the same manner one would make applesauce, a compote, or the beginnings of preserves. When the fruit or berries are soft and have leaked some of their juices, they're ready! Simply transfer the fruit mixture to a baking dish and you can begin assembling the other ingredients. Of course, canned pie fillings (either store-bought or home-canned) may be used, too! Also, if one prefers their fruit more crunchy, the apples, peaches, or pears can be lightly blanched instead of cooked to softness.

COBBLER

stir, in the dish in which it will be baked: fruit, cut small (amount of filling-to-crust ratio to preference) 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1/2 cup sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla

Distribute a few pats/teaspoons of butter, randomly, over the top of the filling, no need to stir the butter into the mix.

stir together the dry ingredients: 1 cup flour 1 cup sugar (or sugar substitute) 2 tablespoons baking powder 1/4 teaspoon salt

add milk & stir just enough to moisten: 1 cup milk (or half-and-half)

Pour the batter over the top of the filling, but do not stir! Bake in 325°F oven approximately 1 hour.

(Vegans can probably use almond milk, or others, instead.)

Remove from oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving. The above photo shows a Blueberry Cobbler which I made earlier this evening. My sister-in-law has already said this will be her breakfast tomorrow morning! 😁 A perfect accompaniment to fruit cobbler is vanilla ice-cream! Yum!