tickle me tuesday!

Today is national cherry cobbler day! And what better way to celebrate spring (and possibly warm yourself up?) than with a piece of cherry cobbler? It really tickles me that pies and such have national days to celebrate, and everyone loves a celebration, right? Here are a few of my favorite "cherry cheeries". Enjoy!

The thing I love most about cobblers (and crisps & crumbles for that matter) is that its whats INSIDE that matters. The beautiful ooey gooey goodness of the filling just bubbles over and is perfectly imperfect. The way life is!

Heres the recipe I use:

1 1/4 cups sugar
3 tablespoons cornstarch
4 cups pitted fresh tart cherries
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
1 cup flour
1 tablespoon sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons shortening
1/2 cup milk

Preheat oven to 400°. Blend 1 1/4 cups sugar, cornstarch, cherries, and almond extract in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens and boils. Continue to boil and stir for 1 minute. Pour fruit mixture into an ungreased casserole dish, or individual ramekins. Place in oven while preparing dough. Measure flour, 1 tablespoon sugar, baking powder, and salt into a mixing bowl. Add shortening and milk. Cut shortening in several times then stir until dough forms a ball. Drop dough in about 6 spoonfuls onto hot fruit. Bake 25 to 30 minutes, or until topping is golden brown.
We like ours with vanilla ice cream!

Nothing beats a great cobbler than the perfect dish to serve it in, or the perfect place settings.

I prefer the crisp easy mixability of white dishes, but sometimes, blue is an amazing back drop to red food, like these simple and classic pieces from pottery barn.

I am a fool for country and gingham! I love the combination with the cherries.

So bright and pretty!