Blackberry goodness…

January 23, 2018

Every good recipe has a story; whether it’s who you received it from, where you first ate it, who made it for you, or who or what special occasion you’re making it for, chances are you’ll associate these things with that recipe..at least I do. I especially love recipes that I’ve received that are in the giver’s own handwriting. I love the memories that accompany or are associated with the recipes. It’s similar, I believe, to the fact that sense of smell and memory are closely related; particular smells often evoke specific memories for people.

Yesterday I took advantage of the fact that blackberries were on sale! My hubby thought I was cleaning out the store, but I had a particular blackberry cobbler in mind I wanted to make. I don’t pick or purchase blackberries often so I knew exactly what I would use them for; they would be put to good use in this cobbler.

The story or memory behind this particular recipe involves one of our sweet new neighbors (neighbor, as in 3 blocks down the street – same thing 😊 ) and family friend who brought us this yummy cobbler to ‘welcome us to the neighborhood’ shortly after we got married and moved in to our new home. It was so sweet, but she is indeed a very sweet lady. Not only is she a neighbor and family friend, but she also happens to be a former coworker and the nurse that oriented me when I was a new RN just starting at the local hospital. (Funny thing is she went on to be a school nurse as well.) A very sweet lady… Who makes a killer cobbler; I was thankful she shared the recipe. (How cute is this recipe card!?)

So, I made this yummy cobbler for a neighbor (friend and coworker) as well! My family and I enjoyed some week night company; my poor kids talked her ear off. I made a new chicken recipe with green chilies and cheese too; but my favorite part by far was dessert! (Big surprise 😛 )

Blackberry Cobbler
(Recipe adapted from Ms. Betty’s)

1 1/4 cup flour
Dash of salt
1/2 tsp. cream of tartar
1 1/2 Tbsp sugar
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 cup shortening
1/3 cup milk

4 cups berries
1 cup sugar
3 Tbsp corn starch
1 1/4 cup water

Stir dry ingredients, then cut in shortening. Then add milk, stirring with fork. Set aside.
Prepare berries as follows: In a small saucepan combine 1 cup sugar and 1 1/4 cups boiling water. Bring to a boil, then whisk in corn starch, once boiling again, stir in berries. (May need to add a small amount of corn starch again.)
Pour berries into greased 9×9 pan; drop dollops of biscuit like mixture on top of berries.
Bake at 350* for approximately 20-25 minutes, until cobbler is lightly brown.

Sprinkle with some sanding sugar for some extra goodness! (I forgot to do this tonight!)

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Enjoy with a neighbor!

Baked goods and Jesus…

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November 30, 2017

In my Run for God devotional, one of the questions this morning was: ‘What do you share with others that gives you the greatest joy?’

I have always loved sharing the food that I make, especially baked goods, with others.  At every job I’ve had, I’m always the coworker who brings in baked goods to share.  I run into people from my previous places of employment and they still comment on missing my ‘yummy baking.’  I’m thankful for my ability to bake and I do appreciate seeing people enjoy things that I’ve made.

In the past I have compared sharing Jesus to that of sharing baked goods… I don’t ever want to ‘bug’ people, but I do often invite people to church…it’s like when you have your favorite food – let’s say a luscious cheesecake – you want to share it with people, you want other people to try it too because you think they will like it!  That’s why I invite people to church, especially people close to me.  I LOVE our church, our church family, and the way God speaks through our Pastor. I love having a relationship with God and looking back and seeing how things have changed in my life for the better because of that relationship.  Why wouldn’t I want to share that with others? I want them to experience it and enjoy it as well.  It’s never about judging anyone or saying or even thinking, ‘Man, I think you really need to go to church’; not at all.  It’s always out of love and just a desire to share something so wonderful that many are missing out on.  So for my friends and family, neighbors, etc. reading this – don’t be offended when I invite you to church, just know that I love you enough to share my yummy delicious cheesecake… and my church with you.

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