Yesterday, I decided to make my first fruit cobbler. I've always meant to make one, but I suppose that I've always been a big fan of fruit crisps/crumbles. I had a bag of frozen peaches...
...and some fresh blueberries. I first tried pairing these two fruits when I made a Peaches & Blueberry crisp, two years ago and I liked it.
Ina Garten's Peaches & Blueberry Crumble
I had bookmarked a recipe for a Berry Cobbler from "Our Best Bites". I liked that this cobbler was more like the traditional versions I've seen on other blogs. I had all the ingredients, on hand, so I decided that some baking therapy is just what I needed to snap out of my funk.
I gave the peaches a quick partial thaw, by washing them with warm water.
One of my favorite pie or fruit dessert "secret" ingredients is Instant ClearJel. It's a pie filling thickener that is added to the sugar. It helps to thicken my pies perfect-- no runny fruit! Sure, you can use flour (which I think tends to muddy flavors), cornstarch or even tapioca. To me, this is my #1 choice thickener. I added 2 Tablespoons of the Instant ClearJel to about 3/4 cup white sugar (you can add less, if you prefer).
I added a bit of lemon zest, reserving most of the zest for the cobbler dough.
Some fresh lemon juice is always a good thing, I think...
The cobbler dough is very basic-- 3 cups of unbleached all-purpose flour, salt, sugar, lemon (or orange) zest, and cold butter. One of my favorite baking tricks is to grate either frozen or cold butter. It makes it much easier to cut into the flour. Try it! You want to mix the butter in, just until everything becomes crumbly. Don't go nuts, here, or you'll end up with very tough dough.
Now, add 2 beaten eggs and one cup of heavy cream. Yes, heavy cream. Trust me.
Very gently, mix until all is combined. Some lumps are fine.
Grease a 9X13 baking dish. Press about 1 1/2 cups of the dough onto the bottom. I didn't photograph this, as my hands were coated with sticky dough. Add the fruit...
"Drop" the remaining dough on top of the fruit. I like to use one of my smaller scoops, which makes this easier. To make the streusel, grate some more butter, add it to flour and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Combine until crumble and distribute evenly on top.
I love cinnamon. Yes, I do.
The oven is preheated to 350F. Bake 45-55 minutes, or until the crust is a light golden brown. Get ready for your kitchen to smell like cinnamon and baked goodness!
My first cobbler!
The topping does resemble cobblestones... I wonder, if this is the origin of this dishes' name?
I let this dessert cool until just warm.
I was pleased to see that the fruit wasn't runny. The dough looks very tender. Let's dig in!
I have nothing against fresh whipped cream. But vanilla ice cream reigns supreme in our home.
TASTING NOTES: Oh, wow! The cobbler is really tender. The sweetness isn't over-the-top. The cinnamon streusel is a perfect compliment to peaches and the very slight tartness of the blueberries. The lemon zest adds a beautiful note to the whole dish. I'm loving this dish! My husband loved it, too. I had no idea that cobbler has great childhood memories for him. This is a very simple dessert to make. The next time I make this, I would add double the amount of peaches. The frozen peaches worked perfectly, so I can make this year-round -- even during cold winter months, when I'd like to have a taste of summer. This cobbler is going to be made with different variations of berries. While I always thought I loved fruit crisps best, I am a true convert! Great recipe!
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I'm feeling much better. Thank you again, for your friendship and support.
Your cobbler looks so perfect. I think I smell it.....wow!!
ReplyDeleteI am glad u are finding comfort in baking to help your grief... I am sorry I missed your other post on Tiger Lily... I know exactly what you are going through... ((HUGS)).. I feel for your other kitty, I know her heart is hurting as well.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry about your kitty, but having had two dogs that were part of the family for 17 years, I can so understand how you are feeling. This wonderful, colorful cobbler looks like the perfect comfort food.
ReplyDeleteWow, does that ever say summertime. I'm happy to know about Clear Jel, Debby. I think cornstarch sometimes makes a gummy filling so I'm looking forward to trying it. I'm imagining a bowl of cobbles with some vanilla ice cream...swoon.
ReplyDeleteThat looks AMAZING. I'm not a cobbler person, but that looks so good, that I may end up necoming one.
ReplyDeleteDebby, your cobbler looks *amazing*! Wow! I have not made one before, but this is sure inspiring...So sorry about your cat. xo
ReplyDeleteBaking ALWAYS helps me feel better! I'm so glad it lifted your spirits. This cobbler looks absolutely delicious! Love that peach blueberry combo!
ReplyDeleteI would eat the cobbler till it was gone. Love fruit cobblers. This is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteVelva
That looks absolutely delish!!:)
ReplyDeleteOh Yum! Growing up in Texas, peach cobbler was a common dessert served by everyone. Living in New England now, it's hard to get really great peaches so I always have a bag or two of frozen peaches in the freezer.
ReplyDeleteMmm this looks amazing and I love the addition of the cinnamon!! I'll definitely be trying this myself, yum! Love your blog and glad to be a new follower :)
ReplyDeleteWhat beautiful photos - the colors just pop! I've never been able to get a good photo of a cobbler, but yours looks just gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteHappy 4th of July Weekend! Simply perfect hot summer night dessert!
ReplyDeleteOh Debby, so sorry to hear about Tiger Lily. I'm sending you a barrel of hugs. I've had to part with five Siberian Huskies over the last 30+ years and it never gets easier. Time does soften the pain and leave you with the happy memories of your loved one. A long time ago, I found the saying "God gives us memories so we may have roses in December". I still love it, though it has more meaning when you live in the snowy north vs. So Cal! Just remember the happy times and know you're being thought of. P.S. The cobbler is on my "to do" list for next week, looks too good to pass up. Again, hugs.
ReplyDeleteOh yum! I would eat the whole pan of that! I really should try your frozen butter trick. I also need to get some of that gel. I've been meaning to try it for a while now.
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing your recipe. Your cobbler sounds delicious. I love that fruit combo and would really enjoy a piece of this treasure. Have a wonderful holiday, Debby. Blessings...Mary
ReplyDeleteI am glad you are feeling better. I don't know why but when you make something it always looks so much better than I do, LOL. I bet it tastes better too. I have to get some of that clearjel, I have been shopping at King Arthur alot lately!
ReplyDeleteI used your fabulous recipe here for blueberry/raspberry Cobbler and it was fantastic! I just happen to have cream in the house because I bought a new ice cream maker. I didn't have that gel but runny fruit was just as delicious! Great recipe!
ReplyDeletedarn you. I intended to lay off desserts for a while but this cobbler looks too good to resist. Thanks for the tip on the clearjel but where does one buy that? At the supermarket?
ReplyDeletePeaches and blueberries are a perfect match- so are cobbler and ice cream :-)
ReplyDeleteAm I the only one? I have no idea how much blueberries to use! They are not listed on the recipe card.
ReplyDeleteDear Anonymous!
ReplyDeleteYou are the only one...the ONLY one who noticed I forgot to list the blueberries. Whoops! I've fixed that omission and thank you.
Hi Debby
ReplyDeleteI want to make this cobbler with just peaches. Do I add the additional amount of peaches for the swap out of the blueberries. Also, do I keep the lemon in the recipe, I assume you added the lemon because of the blueberries. Thank You.
Yes, add more peaches if you're not adding blueberries. I'd guess one extra? Keep in mind, though, that there is more pectin in the blueberries so you might want to compensate for whatever thickener you use...or expect your cobbler to be a bit more runny. Either way, it'll taste great!
ReplyDeleteAn ingredient list would have been helpful.
ReplyDeleteNice pictures.
Dear Anonymous,
ReplyDeleteI wish you had read my instructions where you left your comment, or seen IN BIG RED LETTERS on the right side bar, how to view my printable recipe card.
It would be kinda silly of me to not give a recipe and instructions. I hope you check back, and/or would have left your email.