The Zamzows Table: Blackberry Buckle

As a young man living on my own in Portland, Oregon, I didn't have a car and relied on public transit. Often, I would have to walk several blocks to make a transfer. I began to make special trips and adjust my walking routes based on where the wild blackberry brambles were. I enjoyed the solace of walking the empty streets with a handful of fresh blackberries. I don't make many desserts, but this blackberry buckle comes together very quickly and goes great with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Ingredients:

From the garden:

• 2 cups blackberries

From the store:

• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 cup flour
• 2 tsp. baking powder
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 Tbsp. melted butter
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• Additional 1/2 to 3/4 cup sugar*
• 3/4 cup boiling water

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Grease a 10x6 pan.
3. Mix together your dry ingredients: sugar, flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. Whisk in the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
5. Pour the batter into your greased pan.
6. Bring the water to a boil.
7. Spread the blackberries over the top of the batter.
8. Sprinkle the additional sugar over the berries.
9. Carefully pour the boiling water over the top of the berries and batter.
10. Bake in the oven for 30 to 35 minutes until the batter rises and begins to turn golden brown.

* I used only 1/2 cup of sugar over the top of the berries, which I found perfect. However, my wife mentioned she would have preferred it a little sweeter. 

 This dessert is very easy to make and can be customized with different berries based on the season. Serve warm with a scoop of ice cream for a delightful treat.