Black Raspberry Cobbler and a Gift

It's Black Raspberry season.                            

 My black raspberries are producing like they never have before and somehow I am getting them before the birds.  I planted these behind our other house two doors away 9 years ago. They disappeared for a year or two and then showed up in my neighbors yard where they grew and grew.  No one lives there so I can just go over and pick away. Yesterday I got about 4 cups.

 They have such a short shelf life that I needed to use them right away and nothing is simpler than making a cobbler.

Mix 2-1/2 cups of berries with 3/4 cup of sugar and the zest and juice of 1 lemon.  Toss them gently and let them sit until they start to give off their juice.

 In a separate bowl, mix 1 cup of flour, 1/3 cup of sugar, 2 tsp. baking powder, 1/2 tsp. salt.  Whisk this together and add 1 cup of milk and 1/2 cup of melted butter.  Pour the liquid into the dry ingredients and stir just until blended.

 Pour the batter into a small pan.  I doubled this recipe which is why you see two.  If making a single recipe, use an 8X8 inch pan.

 Top with the berry mixture.

 Bake at 375 degrees for 45-55 minutes until the middle is set and the crust is golden.

 Is there anything better than receiving an unexpected gift in the mail?  My friend Bev from Bee Haven Acres sent this to me.  What a surprise! Thoughtful gifts are the best and she sure put a lot of thought and work into this.  Look closely and you will see owls all lined up with eyes made with black beads  on my favorite Fall colors.

A gorgeous shawl which she took the time to knit on her vacation in St. Lucia. 

 A closeup of the owls.  I will cherish this forever!  Thanks so much Bev!!!  Not to mention that she made this in the middle of planning the wedding of the year!