Our hearts are hurting right now with the senseless loss of life in Orlando, Florida. I try to keep my blog free of political comments so you will hear none of that from me, but the tragedy that took so many lives has nothing to do with politics. It is just a sad commentary on the hate that seems to permeate our otherwise great country. The hate needs to stop.
When the world seems too much to bear, baking cookies for your neighbors or making a breakfast cake to share can be a small token of friendship that can tell people that you care. Please do not lambast me for such a silly response to what has happened. I fully understand the complexity of our problems and the great loss. We are trying to deal with it by being actively involved in finding solutions. But no act of kindness is too small. Besides, baking is good for the soul.
This summer berry buckle is a fruit studded coffee cake. It is more fruit than cake, but the combination is a wonderful summer treat. Add whipped cream or ice cream and you have the perfect dessert to enjoy on the porch or deck. Or serve it for breakfast with juice and coffee. You may think that 4 1/2 cups of fruit is too much but it is not. I used a pint of washed and dried blueberries, 1/2 pint of washed and dried raspberries and 1/2 pint of washed and dried blackberries.
My nephew and his family live in Orlando and Paul’s daughter Katie made this sign to honor the fallen victims of the horrible tragedy. Katie has a big heart. It is not right that our young children should have to endure such horrors. We all need to unite, without animosity, to find a solution.
Bake this Summer Berry Buckle to share with friends. It is a small gesture of good will.
SUMMER BERRY BUCKLE ( The New York Times )
- ½ cup/114 grams (1 stick) butter, at room temperature, plus more for greasing pan
- ½ cup/100 grams granulated sugar, more for sprinkling
- ¼ cup/55 grams light brown sugar
- 3 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 tablespoon/5 grams finely gratedlemon zest
- 1 teaspoon/5 milliliters vanilla extract
- 1 ¼ cups/156 grams all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
- ½ teaspoon grated nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- 4 ½ cups summer berries (a mix of blueberries, raspberries, blackberries or use any one kind)
- Cinnamon, for dusting (optional)
- Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
- Heat oven to 375 degrees. Butter a 9-inch round cake pan.
- In the bowl of an electric mixer, add butter, granulated sugar and brown sugar and beat until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then add lemon zest and vanilla and mix until combined.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, salt, nutmeg and baking powder, and whisk to combine. Add dry ingredients to egg mixture and mix until just combined.
- Gently fold berries into the batter, then spread batter in pan and sprinkle lightly with more granulated sugar. Bake 40 to 50 minutes, or until top is golden and cake is cooked through.
- Allow cake to cool, then sprinkle with cinnamon, if using, and confectioners’ sugar.
A sad day, indeed, Penny. A heartfelt post and what a delicious dessert!
I agree Susan. A sad day.
Your Katie is precious.
I too have tried to stay away from anything controversial, but that doesn’t mean it is not on my mine. I was so shocked over the little girl from The Voice’s story, and now it is being overshadowed by a much larger story. We just keep leaping from one horror story to another. It is so overwhelming.
Thanks for posting your berry buckle. I baked some scones and some cookies, just trying to find some comfort. I am making cornbread tomorrow. I am actually running out of freezer space so I may see if the neighbors are up for dessert.
You are right Madonna. Baking brings comfort. It is hard sometimes not to rant on the blog. But people come here for the food, not my personal opinions on the world.
Lovely post.
Katie is adorable..how wonderful she has such faith..
Tragic tragic..I always think what if one of mine had been there? So many families and friendsaffected..for the rest of their lives..
It will never be the same for them.
And I agree that every little act of kindness..is so nice.Everyone wins.
You are the epitome of kindness Monique. Hanging out at your blog is a breath of fresh air.
Great use of the summer berries – looks delicious
Thanks Larry.
Such a terrible thing. So sad.
I agree Penny. The kids are going to Disney in Orlando in a few weeks and I can’t help but worry.
It was a very sad day. You are right, our children should not have to see/worry about these things. I hope your delicious blue berry buckle took their mind off of the tragedy.
I love the NY Times recipes!
Our children deserve the innocence of childhood. I love the NY Times recipes too Kathy. They always turn out as described. This is a comforting recipe.
Penny, than you for your thoughtful post. We in Canada have our problems, but we don’t have difficulties with mass shootings. The thought of yet another, involving this time, people who are already so vulnerable, makes me heartsick.
We are flying, later this afternoon, for a visit with our grands, north of the 54th parallel. We will share your delicious treat with them, and be grateful for every moment we can share with them!
Will you be pinning the buckle? Thanks.
Thanks for keeping me on my toes TAC. Doing it now.
I hate to be a pest, but thank you.
Penny, I am not a blogger but have been reading yours. This is such a lovely idea, a little thought of kindness means so much.
Yes, agree, we were heartbroken but leaving political stuff off our lovely blogs is usually best.
I love making things such as this ‘buckle’, have problems eating raw fruits, this one may be a keeper and I’ll be trying it out soon.
Thanks for sharing – Mary