Southern Blackberry Cobbler

Serves 6

Note: If you do not have vanilla sugar, use regular sugar and add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to the batter.

6 tablespoons butter

3/4 cup flour

1 cup Shaia Spice vanilla bean sugar, divided (use less if the berries are very sweet)

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/8 teaspoon salt

3/4 cup milk

2 cup fresh blackberries or sliced fruit

Ice cream or whipped cream for serving

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Melt the butter and pour it into the bottom of a deep 1 1/2-quart baking dish.

2. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, half the vanilla sugar, baking powder, salt and milk. Mix well. Pour the batter evenly into the melted butter. Do not stir.

3. In a separate bowl, combine the blackberries with the remaining 1/2 cup sugar. Pour evenly over batter. Do not stir. Bake 30 minutes or until lightly golden brown. Serve warm with ice cream.

-- Scott P. Shaia, Rodeo