She Strengthens

Summer’s Sweetest Treat: Fresh Cherry Cobbler with a Twist

As the sun shines bright, our taste buds crave something sweet and refreshing. What better way to satisfy that craving than with a warm, flaky cherry cobbler, straight from the oven? This summer, take your dessert game to the next level with a unique twist on the classic recipe.

The Quest for Fresh Cherries

For years, I’ve been dreaming of making a cherry cobbler with fresh, juicy cherries. No more canned fillings or artificial flavorings – just pure, unadulterated goodness. And what better inspiration than Emeril Lagasse’s recipe, adapted to perfection?

Pitting Cherries: The Secret to Success

But before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about pitting cherries. It’s a crucial step, but one that can be daunting without the right tools. Fear not, dear reader! With a simple paperclip, you can pit those cherries like a pro. Simply insert the paperclip into the stem end, twist, and voilà – the pit is out!

The Recipe: A Sweet and Savory Union

Now, onto the main event! Our fresh cherry cobbler recipe combines the sweetness of cherries with the savory crunch of cornmeal. Yes, you read that right – cornmeal! It adds a delightful texture to the biscuit topping, making this cobbler truly unforgettable.

Fresh Cherry Cobbler Recipe

For the Filling:

• 6 cups fresh sweet cherries, pitted
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 4 teaspoons cornstarch

For the Biscuit Topping:

• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup cornmeal
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 4 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1/4 cup milk

Let’s Get Baking!

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and arrange a rack in the middle.
2. In a nonreactive skillet or medium saucepan, combine the pitted cherries, orange juice, sugars, and cornstarch. Stir to combine.
3. Place over medium heat and cook, stirring, until the mixture bubbles and thickens. Transfer to an 8-by-8-inch glass or ceramic baking dish.
4. Meanwhile, prepare the biscuit topping. Whisk together the flour, cornmeal, brown sugar, baking powder, and cinnamon in a large bowl. Add the butter and mix until well coated. Cut the butter into the dry ingredients until pea-size pieces form.
5. Mix the egg and milk, then stir into the flour-butter mixture until a soft, crumbly dough forms.
6. Drop the topping by spoonfuls onto the filling. Bake until golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges, about 25 minutes.
7. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool for at least 20 minutes before serving. Vanilla ice cream is the perfect accompaniment!

The Verdict: A Summer Dessert Sensation

This fresh cherry cobbler is a game-changer. The combination of sweet cherries, crunchy cornmeal, and flaky biscuit topping is pure magic. So go ahead, give it a try, and make this summer one to remember!