Muscadine Hull Cobbler

IMG_20130928_230505Cool weather has blown in and the leaves have changed into their fall best! Neil Young and John Denver,  songs are taking new meaning as we shut the lid on Summer’s foolishness. How interesting that the Season of ‘dying off’ is a favorite for so many. In such a short time we go from the drunken high of the emblazon gold and red hues to the somber reality of the Mama’s and Papa’s line, “…all the leaves are brown and the sky is grey”. I think we love it because as with any good story, chapters need ending. It’s a kind of a soulful cleansing, if you would. A promise that with rest, strength will rise in the spring and things will grow in all their green glory.

We are given as a gift, foods each Season. I am sure there is a physical reason as to why we should eat what was gifted to us in the Season… whether you thank Science and the cycle of the universe or acknowledge the hand of God.

One of my favorite flavors of Fall is Native to this land that we like to think is ours.  Muscadines were the first wine grape of the Vanderbilt family from the Southern castle referred to as The Biltmore House. They were written about in the 1500’s and Thomas Jefferson enjoyed it’s wine. It was America’s first grape and the first real American’s, the Native American’s made Muscadine Dumplings. Here we are 2013, making cobbler… it’s like warm, sweet, history in a bowl.

Here is a great link to History and Health: http://www.muscadinenaturals.com/muscadine_grape.htm#Heritage

It is one of THE greatest Cancer fighters in nature. Though you;d want to eat them raw for the full benefits. They are my snack of choice in cool weather. I take them on the road, to ball games, around the house… they are always close at hand during the Fall.

You can find them in the woods all around the Southeast, you will first see them on the canopy floor of the forest, but their vines weave through the trees in Southern woodlands like those old woven potholders of your grandmothers. They rain down (especially with the shake of a vine) feeding wildlife and people alike.

Yes, there are different kinds and colors, like the Scuppernong or bronze muscadine. You might even hear an old timer refer to them as “possum grapes”.

I can them, both chunky hulls (the peeling) and syrup. I cook them in cobblers  and have even reduced them to a savory sauce to top venison. Be creative and enjoy them while they’re here… fall moves so quickly.

Where did I get mine from? www.thehappyberry.com (and they have their recipe too)

 

Now here’s my Aunt Margie’s Recipe for Cobbler

(I just substituted the more common Peaches or Blackberries for the Muscadines)

 

MUSCADINE HULL COBBLER

1/2 cup of Butter (that’s one stick… you can cut back on this, but at least use a 1/2 a stick)

3/4 cup of Flour (all purpose, NOT self rising)

2 tsps of Baking Powder

1 cup of sugar (use 3/4 in the batter and 1/4 in with the fruit)

1/4 tsp of Salt (I used 1/2 tsp, because I had unsalted butter)

3/4 cup of milk (whole too 1%… your call. I did 2%)

4 cups of halved and seeded muscadines

-Put butter in medium sized casserole dish and melt in the oven

-Pour batter on top of melted butter (don’t stir)

-Pour fruit on top of batter (don’t stir… lightly spread out somewhat)

Bake at 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown

*If you wanted to add a splash or two, of Muscadine wine to your fruit and sugar… you could, but not necessary.  

 

About kimberly kelly

I have been in media my whole life, a decade of Morning Radio Shows & a decade of Hosting Television Shows both cable & affiliate. Food is a passion & after sharing this BLOG with viewers... it kinda' grew a life of it's own. Nothing fancy t's just me - sharing what generation(s) in my family & friends & those in travels along the way shared. Food is an expression of ones self and a humble offering to loved ones. One of the best expressions of love. You get "One Trip"... skimp on the material things in life, food is your lifeline though -never skimp on your food! Food can be a positive affect on your health, but also the power to make one feel love. I hope I can show you some of both. Growing & cooking outdoors, is a reminder where our food should come... the ground & not just a shelf.
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11 Responses to Muscadine Hull Cobbler

  1. Danny Smith says:

    Have you ever tried the smaller golden green muscadines? I grow a lot of these in Fountain Inn SC. They are at peak ripeness now and I will make your recipe with them.

    • kimb3825 says:

      Yes Danny… I mentioned them in the article below. I love ALL kinds of muscidines and I think the smaller, wild ones you refer to have a better taste :) Thanks for watching & Reading… please share with your friends.

  2. Jim Purl says:

    My family always called them Mustang grapes, and I didn’t know they were the same until I Googled it

  3. Helen says:

    Never really thought about muscadine in cobbler. Last year I made muscadine jelly. Was very good. I will try soon.

  4. Randy Smart says:

    Kimberly,
    Having know your family in Hardy all my life, I found this site tonight on facebook.Miss Evva would be so very proud of you and how you keep her recipes alive and stay true to your roots. Thank you for letting the world know about her and Hardy

  5. carmen says:

    I am loving your cooking videos. Watched (and miss you) on
    WSPA – glad I found you again. Found and following you on your facebook also to keep you with your latest happenings.

    I have searched youtube all over trying to find out what song this is playing at the beginning /end of your videos. I LOVE IT! I know the artist, but I can’t locate the song. You know what it is??

    • kk says:

      Thank you SO MUCH. Now, the artist… can you believe wrote that for this vlog HUGE HONOR! His name is Kebin (yes with a b) and he plays with Greenville band Honey & the Hot Rods among others

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