Recipe: Blackberry Cobbler with Variations (Williams-Sonoma recipe)

BLACKBERRY COBBLER

FOR THE FILLING:
6 cups blackberries (or a mix of seasonal berries)
1/3 cup sugar
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
3 drops salt

FOR THE TOPPING:
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/3 cup sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 egg
1/2 cup buttermilk
3/8 cup (3/4 stick) unsalted butter, melted and
cooled
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preheat an oven to 375 degrees F. Lightly grease a 2-quart baking dish.

TO MAKE THE FILLING:
In a bowl, gently toss the berries with the sugar, flour, zest and salt until blended. Pour into the prepared baking dish. Set aside.

TO MAKE THE TOPPING:
In a bowl, stir together the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon and salt.

In another bowl, whisk together the egg, buttermilk, butter and vanilla until well blended. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and, using a rubber spatula, fold gently until the flour is moistened and the mixture forms a soft dough. Drop heaping spoonfuls of the dough onto the fruit, spacing them evenly; the dough will not completely cover the fruit.

Bake until the filling is bubbling, the topping is browned and a toothpick inserted into the topping comes out clean, about 45 minutes.

Serve warm or at room temperature.

VARIATIONS:
- Instead of using only blackberries, try mixing in some raspberries and blueberries as well. Or replace the blackberries with sliced peaches or nectarines and a handful of dried sour cherries or cranberries. A combination of 3 or 4 plum varieties, all pitted and quartered, is also wonderful.
- If you'd like, add a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg or a dash of vanilla or almond extract to the fruit. Or sprinkle a small handful of sliced almonds or chopped pecans over the topping before baking.

Makes 8 to 10 servings
Source: Williams-Sonoma Kitchen