The Fourth of July is a special kind of celebration. It’s about tradition and love for country, and at the same time, it’s a summer holiday that calls for something fresh and new. I love to serve Southern staples on the Fourth, like some of the favorites featured in Taste of the South. But I’m also fond of new recipes that offer a fresh take on a tried-and-true classic.
That’s why I can’t wait to make the Black and Blue Cobbler from our Southern BBQ & Grilling special issue. Rather than a single type of freshly picked berry, this dessert’s combination of blueberries and blackberries creates the perfect blend of sweet-and-tart flavors. Top it with some vanilla ice cream, and you have an all-American dessert perfect for the Fourth of July.
- 8 cups fresh blackberries (about 2 ¼ pounds)
- 2 cups fresh blueberries
- ¾ cup sugar
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup cold butter, cut into small pieces
- Buttery Pastry Dough (recipe follows)
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon water
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- Garnish: sugar
- Vanilla ice cream, to serve
- Preheat oven to 375°. In a 13x9-inch baking pan, gently stir together blackberries, blueberries, sugar, flour, salt, lemon juice, and cinnamon. Sprinkle with butter.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll 1 portion of Buttery Pastry Dough into a 9x6-inch rectangle. Cut crosswise into 6 strips. Place strips crosswise over fruit mixture, trimming edges, if necessary. Roll remaining portion of Buttery Pastry Dough into a 13x4-inch rectangle. Cut lengthwise into 4 strips. Place strips lengthwise in pan, trimming edges, if necessary.
- In a small bowl, whisk together egg and 1 teaspoon water; lightly brush over dough. Sprinkle with sugar.
- Bake until crust is golden brown and filling is bubbly, approximately 45 minutes. Garnish with sugar, if desired. Let stand 20 minutes. Serve with ice cream.
- ½ cup butter, softened
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar at medium speed with a mixer until creamy. Add egg, beating until combined. Gradually add flour and salt; beat until smooth, stopping occasionally to scrape sides of bowl. (Mixture will be thick.)
- Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface; knead 3 or 4 times. Divide dough in half; shape into small rectangles. Wrap each portion in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 1 hour.
What will you make this Fourth of July?
Comments 9
This looks so fantastic, I’ll make it for our next summer get together and serve it up with some yummy home ice cream my son makes. Truly Phyllis, you are such an inspiration to me on so many fronts thank you for sharing your many gifts and talents!!!!
Looks so good. Wishing you a wonderful and relaxing July 4th:)
Lovely recipe and very timely. Thank you! We love our Michigan blueberries so we’ll enjoy them in the cobbler along with grilling steaks and the smorgasbord of sides all our family brings to pass while sitting on the deck/poolside. Have a wonderful, safe and happy holiday!
Phyllis, I have all the ingredients on hand so I thank you for solving our 4th holiday Berry dessert a ‘la mode! You come in handy lady! With family and loved ones I wish you a star spangled sparkley 4th! Carmel
We just celebrated Canada day but will also be celebrating the Fourth of July. This recipe looks like a keeper. Thank you Phyllis. Happy celebrations to all!
I agree, this cobbler looks delicious!
What will we make this Saturday?
For our family, the Fourth is not the Fourth without potato salad and deviled eggs. Everything else is just an accompaniment!!
Blessings &
Happy 4th of July to all!
What a novel combination for a cobbler; I would have never thought of combining the two berries. It looks delicious.
Looks delicious Phyllis! Thank you for the buttery pie crust.I am always looking for addition to my recipes
This looks wonderful, Phyllis! I think I will join you in making this for the 4th, the combination of black and blue berries sounds divine. Happy 4th of July!