Purple Hands

I live out in the country.  One of the advantages of living in the country is that country folk don't pay with cash, we swap.  I raise dairy goats and you would be amazed what I can "buy" with the products that my dairy goats produce.

Last week one of our neighbors called to let us know that his berry bushes were loaded and we should come pick "us some berries".  So for a couple bars of goat's milk soap and a bottle or two goat's milk lotion, we "picked us some berries."  If you ever pick blackberries, wear gloves, otherwise, you will have purple hands.  BUT, you will have the best berries you ever tasted.  (Just in case you forget the gloves, the purple stain does go away after a day or two - don't worry - you won't have smurf hands forever!)

I froze a lot of the berries, also made some blackberry jam.  And I found this recipe on the Internet for Blackberry Cobbler.  This is an adaptation of a Betty Crocker recipe.  I had to make two because the first one didn't last very long. 

Mix the batter gently - helps make the cobbler moister.  Also, you can use half blackberries and half raspberries for a different taste.  The recipe says not to use blueberries - not sure why - can't see why that would make any difference.

Blackberry Cobbler

2 1/2 cups fresh or frozen (thawed and drained) blackberries (do not use blueberries)

1 cup sugar

1 cup all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 T sugar
1/4 t vanilla or 1/4 t cinnamon (depends on your taste)
1/2 teaspoon salt (I omit the salt - didn't seem to make a difference)
1 cup milk
1/2 cup butter, melted (I always use un-salted butter)

1. In medium bowl, stir together blackberries and sugar. Let stand about 20 minutes or until fruit syrup forms. Heat oven to 375°F.

2. In large bowl, stir together flour, baking powder, salt and milk. Stir in melted butter until blended. Spread in ungreased 8-inch square pan. Spoon blackberry mixture over batter.

3. Bake 45 to 55 minutes or until dough rises and is golden. Serve warm with ice cream. - YUM!