Master Recipe

Cobbler with Rich Shortcake Topping

NOTE: Because the biscuit easily absorbs juices, this shortcake topping is best with berries. There's no sugar in the biscuit topping (just a dusting on top), so make sure to sweeten the fruit adequately by using the upper amount listed in the filling recipes. We find that the food processor does the best job of cutting cold fat into dry ingredients. (See figures 33–35, for an alternate technique using a box grater.) Serves four to six.

  1    cup all-purpose flour

  1¹/₂    teaspoons baking powder

  ¹/₄    teaspoon salt

  4    tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into ¹/₄-inch pieces

  2    tablespoons cold vegetable shortening

  7    tablespoons milk

  1    recipe Blackberry, Blueberry, Raspberry, or Strawberry Filling for Cobblers (see Chapter 3)

  1    tablespoon sugar