Jahzelle’s Creations

A No-Cook Dinner Night and an Easy Use-What-You-Have Berry Cobbler

Today was one of those days when I had to listen to my body and let “good enough” be enough.

My foot has been swollen and painful as I continue recovering and dealing with my stitches being removed. I also have a new boot, and I’m still adjusting to moving around in it. Getting around was difficult today, so I decided not to cook dinner—and that is perfectly okay.

My youngest son had a $50 Chili’s gift card, so he and his brothers used it toward their dinner and appetizers. They paid approximately $30 more after using the gift card. My husband, our and I ate leftovers we already had at home.

It wasn’t one perfectly coordinated family meal, but everyone was fed, we used the food available to us, and I didn’t push myself beyond what my body could handle.

I was craving something sweet, though, so I made a simple mixed-berry cobbler. I used blueberries, strawberries, and cherries that I already had in the house, along with Bisquick and a few pantry staples.

This is the kind of flexible recipe I love because you don’t need to shop for special ingredients. You can use fresh or frozen fruit, combine different varieties, and make the most of what you already have.

Easy Use-What-You-Have Berry Cobbler

Ingredients

● 1/2 cup butter, melted (8 tablespoons )

● About 4 cups blueberries, strawberries, cherries, or any fruit you have

● 2 tablespoons cornstarch

● 2 cups Bisquick

● 2/3 cup sugar

● 1 cup milk

● 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.

2. Pour the melted butter into the bottom of a baking dish.

3. In a mixing bowl, combine the Bisquick and sugar. Add the milk and vanilla, then mix until no large lumps remain. Be careful not to overmix.

4. If you are using frozen fruit, allow it to defrost and drain away any excessive liquid.

5. Place the fruit in a separate bowl. Add the cornstarch and gently mix until the fruit is evenly coated.

6. Pour the batter over the melted butter in the baking dish. Do not stir.

7. Scatter the fruit evenly over the batter.

8. Bake for 35–45 minutes, depending on your oven, until the cobbler is golden and cooked through in the center.

Serve it warm on its own or add powdered sugar or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Today wasn’t a day for an elaborate homemade dinner. It was a day for leftovers, using a gift card, resting my foot, and making one comforting dessert from ingredients I already had.

Sustainable, budget-conscious living doesn’t have to look perfect. Sometimes it simply means using what is available, avoiding unnecessary waste, accepting help, and giving yourself permission to rest.