Imagine a sun-drenched afternoon, the kind where the air is thick with the scent of blooming citrus trees. One such day, while wandering through a quaint farmer’s market, I stumbled upon a stall overflowing with vibrant lemons, fragrant rosemary, and plump strawberries. An idea sparked in my mind—a cobbler that would capture the essence of that very moment. A delightful blend of sweet and tart, this Citrus & Herb Cobbler brings together the brightness of citrus with the unexpected warmth of fresh herbs. It’s not just a dessert; it’s a celebration of summer!
Ingredients
2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
1 cup fresh blueberries
1 cup fresh raspberries
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon lemon zest
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
1/3 cup whole milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Additional sugar for sprinkling
Instructions
Begin your culinary adventure by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, granulated sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, and fresh rosemary. Stir gently, allowing the berries to mingle and soak up the sweet and tangy flavors. Let this mixture sit for about 15 minutes, allowing the juices to form a luscious syrup.
While the berry medley is macerating, grab another bowl and whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the chilled, cubed butter to the flour mixture. With your fingertips or a pastry cutter, work the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs, reminiscent of sandy beaches on a sunny day.
Next, pour in the whole milk and vanilla extract, mixing just until combined. Take care not to overwork the dough; it should be soft and slightly sticky. Now, it’s time to bring your berry mixture and dough together. Pour the berry medley into a greased 9-inch round baking dish. Using a spoon or your hands, drop spoonfuls of the dough over the berries, creating a rustic, uneven topping that will bake up beautifully.
Brush the top of the dough with the beaten egg for a golden finish, and sprinkle a little extra sugar on top for that sweet crunch. Place the cobbler in the preheated oven and let it bake for approximately 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the berries are bubbling with joy.
Once out of the oven, allow the cobbler to cool slightly. Serve warm, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Each bite will transport you back to that sun-kissed market, where flavors dance and memories are made. Enjoy your Whimsical Citrus & Herb Cobbler, a delicious tribute to the joys of summer!