Memorial Day weekend.  Sure, it’s a lot of fun, but it’s about so much more than just a backyard barbeque.  In the next day or two, we will get together with friends and family to celebrate those who protect our country, those serving, and those fallen.  Our nation has seen better days and worse, yet here we still stand, free because of the brave.  I am humbled by their sacrifices every day of my life.

In honor of the day – and because we will indeed go to a cookout, after all – I am sharing a fun and patriotic recipe that I always enjoy presenting at get togethers.  It serves many with little effort, so I can easily prepare it the day of, and it’s always an attractive crowd-pleaser.

Red, White, & Blueberry Cobbler

• 5 cups blueberries, divided 4 & 1
• 1 cup sugar, divided
• 1/4 cup water, if needed
• 8 tablespoons butter
• 1½ cups self-rising flour
• 1½ cups milk
• cinnamon or ginger, optional
• 1-2 pints strawberries
• Whipped Cream, recipe below, (or Cool Whip)

Preheat your oven to 350º.  Combine 4 cups of the blueberries with ½ cup of sugar, mixing well.  Simmer for about 10 minutes.  You want some syrup, and blueberries usually produce a good amount.  If they get too thick, slowly mix in the water then remove from heat.

Put the butter in a baking dish and place in oven to melt.

Mix the remaining ½ cup of sugar, flour, and milk slowly, avoiding clumps.  Pour the mixture over the melted butter, but do not stir.  Carefully spoon the fruit on top then gently pour in syrup.  If you’re using the cinnamon or ginger, sprinkle this on top.  Place back in oven.

Batter will rise during baking, about 30-45 minutes or until golden brown on top.  Allow cobbler to completely cool, about 1-2 hours.  Meanwhile, slice tops off strawberries and make whipped cream (if not using Cool Whip).

Honey Spiced Whipped Cream

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Combine all ingredients in bowl and mix with electric mixer until stiff peaks form.  Keep in refrigerator until ready to use.

Once cobbler is completely cool to the touch on top, arrange fruit and whipped cream in a flag pattern.  To create the whipped cream “stars,” I used an icing gun.  You can also just use a spoon and create small dollops.

Enjoy your Memorial Day.  Eat good food, play in the pool, laugh and talk and toast with friends and family.  But most importantly, remember those who are without theirs so that you can be with yours.