Chef Bubba's To-Die-For Red, White and Blue Cobbler

Ladies, I have sent the Fabric Maverick to the grocery store and I have Victoria working on some projects. It's time to be planning our Fourth of July celebration! Next to Christmas, this is my favorite holiday. This recipe is not for dieters or the calorie conscious. Just step away from the table, this is a down right delicious, calorie packed, true Southern cobbler from my great grandmother! I do not even think the calorie had been invented yet. For our Northern brethren, a cobbler is the South's fruit pie only better.

Ingredients:

11/2 cup all purpose flour (not self rising)

1/2 tsp. salt

1 cup sugar

1/4 cup lard less 1 Tb.

1 stick butter

1 package frozen strawberries, thawed

1 package blueberries, thawed

Lemon juice- splash to taste

Now, understand my great grandmammy did not use measuring spoons. It was all tasting and touch and feel. Some of you out there have passed out from the mere mention of the word "lard"!  Lard still makes the flakiest crust. You may substitute shortening but it will not be the same.

Tools:

Rolling pin

wax paper

13 x 9 baking dish

Medium size mixing bowl

Measuring cup

Medium size sauce pan

Wooden spoons

Instructions: Heat oven to 375 degrees

1. In medium size mixing bowl, add  flour and salt. Cut in the lard until the lard is well mixed with the flour. Add enough water to make into a ball. Place in refrigerator, until ready to roll out.

2. Place thawed berries in saucepan. Add 1 cup of sugar. Heat until sugar is melted and fruit completely thawed. Add a splash of lemon to bring our the flavors of the fruit. Taste and add more sugar if needed for your taste buds.

3. Prepare your 13 x 9 baking dish by spray of Pam or you may use butter. I am trying to save a couple of calories for you.  This is to make clean up easier, but someone will probably scrape the pan for you any way.

4. Pour 1/2 of the berries in your pan.

5. Bring our your crust- divide into 2 balls.

6.Using wax paper with a sprinkling of flour, roll one of the balls into a pie crust no thicker than 1/4 inch. Cut to the size of your baking dish.

7. Place crust on top of berries.

8. Add rest of berries on top of crust.

9. Cut butter into small pieces and sprinkle over fruit reserving some for the top crust.

10. Roll out remaining pie crust and place on top of fruit.

11. Sprinkle crust with sugar and rest of butter. May add more butter if you wish.

12. Place in hot oven. Cook 35 to 45 minutes. Crust will be golden brown and you will be salivating.

I have sold many houses by cooking this recipe at open houses!

Cobblers are best when served warm! Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream and you have red, white and blue cobbler!

Put the scale away and Bon Appetit!