Blackberry Cobbler a la Mom

My mom used to make this fabulous cobbler. I say used to, because I'm not sure she remembers making this, but it made a lasting impression on me. It wasn't like most cobblers, with biscuits laid on top, or a cake-like batter with the fruit poured over it. Instead, it's base is a thickly rolled pastry dough, topped with the fruit and rolled up pinwheel fashion like a cinnamon roll. Simple syrup poured over the top for sweetener, and a healthy dose of butter. Really spectacular.

I think my mom found the recipe on a calendar in the '70s that had all sorts of main courses and desserts, including a stuffed meatloaf that I'll be posting here eventually. I ran across it on Food.com recently when I was looking for something to make with blackberries I'd purchased on sale at our local produce store (shout out to Sprouts in McKinney, TX).

The recipe sounds a little complicated, especially if you don't normally make pastry, but it's really very easy and fairly quick to put together. I assure you your family will love the results with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Full recipe below.

First, make the simple syrup. Combine 1 C sugar and 1 C water in a small saucepan. Heat until the sugar has melted completely. Set aside. 

Set the oven to 350 degrees. Place 1 stick butter in the baking dish or cast iron skillet and melt in the oven while it warms to temperature.

Next, prepare the pastry. Mix together the flour, baking powder and salt. Cut in the other stick of butter. until it forms very small crumbs. You can use your hands, two knives or a fork. If you don't mind having another item to clean, I recommend a food processor, but pulse just until the butter is incorporated and the mixture is course, don't run it constantly to mix or you'll end up with tough pastry.

Roll the pastry into an 11 x 9 inch rectangle. Top with blackberries and sprinkle with cinnamon. Roll up into a pinwheel shape like a cinnamon roll dough and press to seal. 

Cut into 1/2 inch slices and arrange on top of the melted butter in your pan or skillet. 

Pour the simple syrup over the top. It'll seem like too much, but it will thicken and absorb. 

Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes or until light golden brown. Sprinkle the top with granulated sugar and return to the oven for 15 minutes more.

Blackberry Cobbler a la Mom

2 C blackberries

1 C water

1 C sugar

1 C butter (2 sticks)

1 1/2 C all purpose flour

2 tsp baking powder

3/4 tsp salt

1/2 tsp cinnamon

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a small saucepan, mix together sugar and water. Heat on medium until the sugar dissolves. Set aside. Place 1 stick of butter in the baking dish or skillet and place in the oven to melt. Prepare the pastry as directed above, top with berries and roll. Slice and carefully arrange the slices in the dish. Pour simple syrup evenly over the top. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until light brown. Sprinkle with granulated sugar and place back in the oven for 15 minutes more or until the liquid is mostly absorbed. Serve while warm with ice cream or whipped cream.