because summer means cobbler

My childhood was filled with the smells of baked goods and it seems that my interpretation of the seasons depend heavily upon which was baked when. Any Cobbler is my most favoritest and signifies that summer is in full swing; cobbler basically meaning cobbled together/up and is simply fruit jam with a chunky shortbread topping. Different recipes call for varying degrees of sweetness, but I like the contrast between the already sweet jam and the not too sweet crust.

I know lots of people change the recipe according to the fruit they use, but I have had great results just altering the sugar and adding cinnamon, etc. if I use apples. Feel free to use frozen fruit or canned fruit. It really is one of the easiest (and tastiest) desserts ever.

CHERRY COBBLER

Jam/Filling

1 1/4 c. (270g) Sugar
3 T Cornstarch
4 c. (1 kilo) fresh tart Cherries (I use sour cherries, but really any flavorful cherry works equally well. Adjust sugar for type, though)

Topping

1 c. (250g) Flour
1 T Sugar
1 1/2 tsp. Baking Powder
1/2 tsp. Salt
3 T Shortening / Butter
1/2 c. (125g) Milk

Heat oven to 400 degrees. Blend 1 1/4 cup sugar and cornstarch in small
pan. Stir in cherries and extract. Cook, stirring constantly until
mixture thickens and boils. Boil and stir one minute. Pour into 2 quart
casserole. Stir together flour, 1 tablespoon sugar, baking powder, and
salt. Add shortening and milk. Cut through shortening with fork 6 times,
mix until dough forms a ball. Drop mixture by spoonfuls onto hot fruit.
Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until top is golden brown. Serve warm with a scoop of ice cream or creme fraiche.